The iFlex-2000 combines 405-nm laser diode technology with single-mode polarization-maintaining fiber to produce a pure Gaussian beam for high-resolution imaging applications. Many applications at this wavelength have been cost-prohibitive and require large water-cooled krypton mainframe lasers. Manufactured by Point Source of Hamble, UK, the system is suitable for laser scanning confocal microscopy in fluorescent protein studies, flow cytometry for DNA analysis, DVD mastering, early detection of caries and detection of brain cancer during neurosurgery.The iFlex-2000's single-mode optical fiber enables flexible beam delivery and spatial filtering of the astigmatic laser diode source. The polarization-maintaining fiber allows polarized output of better than 100:1. A flexible stainless steel shield protects the fiber from damage. The laser's fixed coupling and collimating optics deliver beam-pointing stability of better than 1 µrad/°C.The laser diode source is temperature-controlled and employs the company's design technology to eliminate diode mode hopping and increase laser lifetime. To aid instrument design and ease of servicing, the laser module and the beam delivery system are detachable. Repeatable coupling from unit to unit produces peak variation of less than 10 percent.