Multiphoton microscopy system with a compact fiber‐based femtosecond‐pulse laser and handheld probe

We report on the development of a compact multiphoton microscopy (MPM) system that integrates a compact and robust fiber laser with a miniature probe. The all normal dispersion fiber femtosecond laser has a central wavelength of 1.06 μm, pulse width of 125 fs and average power of more than 1 W. A double cladding photonic crystal fiber was used to deliver the excitation beam and to collect the two‐photon signal. The hand‐held probe included galvanometer‐based mirror scanners, relay lenses and a focusing lens. The packaged probe had a diameter of 16 mm. Second harmonic generation (SHG) images and two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) images of biological tissues were demonstrated using the system. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)