Synchronization-free all-solid-state laser system for stimulated Raman scattering microscopy

摘要

A simple and stable laser system has been constructed that is ideal for stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy—a powerful imaging method. Despite its promise, SRS microscopy is held back by its need for complex and expensive laser systems. Now, Tobias Steinle of the University of Stuttgart and co-workers have developed and demonstrated an all-solid-state laser system that has a much simpler optical setup since it does not require synchronization between two laser sources. Instead, it uses a Yb:KGW oscillator to drive an optical parametric amplifier, which is seeded by a cw external-cavity diode laser. Furthermore, the laser system has very low noise in the megahertz region. The researchers use it to realize rapid, low-noise SRS imaging. They are confident that it will make SRS microscopy more accessible, particularly for biomedical and biological research.