High-contrast, fast chemical imaging by coherent Raman scattering using a self-synchronized two-colour fibre laser

Abstract

Raman-scattering microscopy: Fiber laser reduces the bulk An extremely stable fiber laser makes the high-resolution imaging technique of coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy more practical for use in hospitals. CRS employs two pulsed laser beams to probe human tissues, providing structural and chemical information without the need for chemical labelling. However, current CRS systems require bulky laser systems that are impractical for clinical use. Now, Thomas Huser at Bielefeld University in Germany, with coworkers in Hong Kong (Kenneth K. Y. Wong) and the USA (Xiaoming Wei), have demonstrated CRS imaging using a compact pulsed fiber laser that provides excellent stability over a wide frequency range. Their system produced fast, high contrast images of living human cells and mouse tissues including the kidney and brain. Moreover, the fiber-based laser beam could easily be connected to other optical imaging systems such as endoscopes, to acquire images inside the body.