Methods, devices, and systems for laser eye surgery generally make use of a console(14) that interchangeably accepts multiple types of eye treatment cassettes(16). The cassettes (16) enable one or both of displacement-based or vacuum-basedaspiration. The console (14) and the cassette may communicate to establish thefunctionality of the installed cassette by utilizing a component indigenousto the operation of the cassette (16). A dual-mode cassette (16A) may includea separable holding tank (56) for enabling vacuum-based aspiration. A displacement-basedpump (60) may be provided to drain the holding tank (56) while the vacuum systemcontinues to aspirate fluids. A vacuum sensor (64) for controlling the flow ofaspirated fluids may have three ports for communicating with a handpiece (12),a displacement-based pump (54), a vacuum-based pump (44), or an irrigation source(46). The handpiece (12) may be vented during vacuum-based aspiration by openinga vent valve interposed between the handpiece (12) and the vacuum source.
