A low-cost UV laser for flash photolysis of caged compounds

Photolysis of caged compounds has become a standard tool for the rapid application of bioactive molecules. In principle this technique also allows to apply substances in a spatially very restricted manner. An important practical limitation for such experiments, however, is the high cost of UV lasers. Here we describe the assembly of an inexpensive pulsed nitrogen laser which is suitable for photolysis experiments. The laser which can be constructed in less than 1 week and for less than US$ 500 emits light pulses with a duration of approximately 5 ns, an energy of up to 200 microJ (= 40 kW) and a wavelength of 337 nm. Its beam can be focused to roughly 30 microns, a firing frequency of up to 50 Hz can be achieved, and electrical artifacts are minimal. These specifications make the laser optimally suited for most photolysis experiments. Its low price and ease of use should make the technique of spatially restricted flash photolysis amenable to many laboratories.