This is an overall view of the Merchantek laser system that is currently under construction, which will be used to prepare silicate and oxide samples for oxygen isotope analysis. The laser system will be able to prepare smaller samples, much more rapidly than the conventional BrF5 preparation line.
The laser itself is the long black horizontal box, supported
by two aluminium columns. At the far end of the laser is the beam
delivery system which directs the laser beam down towards the sample chamber
(the small, cylindrical stainless steel chamber). A video camera
(only partially shown in this picture) is mounted above the beam delivery
system, and is used to aim the laser beam on to the sample.