A Customized Two Photon Fluorescence Imaging Probe Based on 2D scanning MEMS Mirror Including Electrothermal Two-Level-Ladder Dual S-Shaped Actuators

Abstract

We report the design and characterization of a two-photon fluorescence imaging miniature probe. This customized two-axis scanning probe is dedicated for intraoperative two-photon fluorescence imaging endomicroscopic use and is based on a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror with a high reflectivity plate and two-level-ladder double S-shaped electrothermal bimorph actuators. The fully assembled probe has a total outer diameter of 4 mm including all elements. With a two-lens configuration and a small aperture MEMS mirror, this probe can generate a large optical scan angle of 24° with 4 V drive voltage and can achieve a 450 µm FOV with a 2-fps frame rate. A uniform Pixel Dwell Time and a stable scanning speed along a raster pattern were demonstrated while a 57-fs pulse duration of the excitation beam was measured at the exit of the probe head. This miniature imaging probe will be coupled to a two-photon fluorescence endomicroscope oriented towards clinical use.

Keywords

• micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror
• two-photon imaging
• electrothermal actuators
• 2D scanning probe