Abstract

Raman scattering provides an intrinsic contrast mechanism, based on the characteristic vibrational frequencies of the investigated molecule, allowing for non-invasive, label-free microscopy of tissues and cells. With respect to spontaneous Raman scattering, the sensitivity and imaging speed is boosted by many orders of magnitude using Coherent Raman Scattering (CRS) processes, such as Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) [1] and Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) [2]. In this work we demonstrate a new approach to CARS/SRS spectroscopy/microscopy in which multiple continuously tunable narrowband phase-coherent pulses are synthesized by spectral compression of femtosecond pulses emitted by a single highly compact fiber laser.

© 2011 Optical Society of America