Multimodal Nonlinear Microscope based on a Compact Fiber-format Laser Source

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, fiber-based multimodal nonlinear microscope that combines CARS, SRS, and TPEF imaging modalities, enabling detailed biological and material sample analysis with high flexibility.

Contribution

It presents a novel, integrated fiber-format laser system for multimodal nonlinear microscopy, enhancing accessibility and reconfigurability compared to traditional setups.

Findings

Successfully imaged polymer beads with CARS and SRS

Visualized cell walls and chloroplasts in plant leaves

Demonstrated system's flexibility and ease of reconfiguration

Abstract

We present a multimodal non-linear optical (NLO) laser-scanning microscope, based on a compact fiber-format excitation laser and integrating coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and two-photon-excitation fluorescence (TPEF) on a single platform. We demonstrate its capabilities in simultaneously acquiring CARS and SRS images of a blend of 6-{\mu}m poly(methyl methacrylate) beads and 3-{\mu}m polystyrene beads. We then apply it to visualize cell walls and chloroplast of an unprocessed fresh leaf of Elodea aquatic plant via SRS and TPEF modalities, respectively. The presented NLO microscope, developed in house using off-the-shelf components, offers full accessibility to the optical path and ensures its easy re-configurability and flexibility.