Abstract

Multiphoton microscopy, including two-photon laser scanning microscopy and second-harmonic generation is a unique technique for non-invasive imaging in biological samples. However, clinical translation and applications outside the laser laboratory have been hampered by the need to use bulky, expensive and environmentally sensitive lasers, that often require active water cooling and have high energy consumption. Femtosecond fiber lasers, which have relaxed cooling and energy consumption requirements, are very attractive as master sources for multiphoton microscopy [1]. A challenge for applications in nonlinear imaging in living tissue is to maximize the total fluorescent yield from each fluorophore. Excitation with a transform-limited pulse significantly increases the efficiency of excitation [2]. Transform limited pulses are also advantageous to minimize the thermal load in living tissue. Multiphoton microscopy would strongly benefit from the implementation of robust all-integrated fiber based concepts that allow for truly turn-key maintenance free operation.

© 2017 IEEE