Compact simultaneous label-free autofluorescence multi-harmonic (SLAM) microscopy for user-friendly photodamage-monitored imaging

TL;DR

This paper introduces SLAM microscopy, a label-free, multi-harmonic imaging platform with inline photodamage monitoring and adjustable parameters, enabling safer and faster biomedical imaging.

Contribution

The development of a novel SLAM microscopy system that allows independent control of imaging parameters and inline photodamage monitoring for improved biomedical imaging.

Findings

Achieved 5-channel multimodal imaging with minimal photodamage.

Enabled label-free multichannel imaging at one pulse per pixel.

Demonstrated potential for faster imaging with optimized parameters.

Abstract

Label-free nonlinear optical microscopy has become a powerful tool for biomedical research. However, the possible photodamage risk hinder further clinical applications. To reduce these adverse effects, we constructed a new platform of simultaneous label-free autofluorescence multiharmonic (SLAM) microscopy, featuring 5-channel multimodal imaging, inline photodamage monitoring, and pulse repetition-rate tuning. By the use of a birefringent photonic crystal fiber for spectral broadening (rather than supercontinuum generation) and a prism compressor for pulse pre-chirping, this system allows users to independently adjust pulse width, repetition rate, and energy, which is useful for optimizing imaging condition towards no/minimal photodamage. Also, it demonstrates label-free multichannel imaging at one excitation pulse per image pixel and thus paves the way for improving the imaging speed by a faster optical scanner.