Fibre-based laser source targets microscopy apps

Mobius Photonics debuts the 'Rainbow', a fibre-based prototype laser source of user-switchable, visible-wavelength laser pulses designed for super-resolution microscopy applications.

"Our Rainbow laser prototype is a testament to Mobius' competency in developing fibre-based solutions for the materials processing and life sciences markets," said Kiyomi Monro, Mobius Photonics CEO. "As Dr. Keaton, our chief scientist, presented in a paper at Photonics West, the Mobius technical team has developed a novel way of using fibre to generate visible wavelengths for stimulating the fluorescent markers as well as depleting fluorescence in super-resolution microscopy applications. Our initial design can generate three key wavelengths, and we have plans to extend that capability so that ultimately a Rainbow system could generate up to seven discrete wavelengths between 557–651nm. This laser may complement the capabilities offered by today's supercontinuum sources for microscopy."

The Rainbow prototype is a short-pulse, high-repetition-rate laser system that currently produces output at 585nm, 600nm and 616nm. The system's individual wavelengths can be switched on-the-fly, allowing users to tailor output to the fluorescent marker in a particular application. Rainbow features approximately 1ns pulses at repetition rates of up to 20MHz and pulse energies ranging from 25–50nJ per pulse, depending on the wavelength selected. The result is a laser system designed to allow high-resolution image generation with fast acquisition times.

Rainbow is air cooled and features a compact laser head to facilitate integration into microscopy systems. The laser's modular architecture is also intended to simplify integration, field servicing and system upgrades.

Mobius will display its Rainbow system at LASER World of PHOTONICS (booth #102, hall C2) at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich, Germany, from May 23-26, 2011.