Open AccessStimulated Raman scattering using a single femtosecond oscillator with flexibility for imaging and spectral applications
Author(s) -
Hope T. Beier,
Gary D. Noojin,
Benjamin A. Rockwell
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.018885
Subject(s) - femtosecond , supercontinuum , optics , raman scattering , materials science , laser , raman spectroscopy , coherent anti stokes raman spectroscopy , spectral line , photonic crystal fiber , broadband , optoelectronics , optical fiber , physics , astronomy
Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is a powerful tool for obtaining background-free chemical information about a material without extrinsic labeling. Background-free spectra are particularly important in the fingerprint region (~800 and 1800 cm(-1)) where peaks are narrow, closely-spaced, and may be in abundance for a particular chemical. We demonstrate a method for obtaining SRS spectra using a single femtosecond laser oscillator. A photonic crystal fiber is used to create a supercontinuum to provide a range of Stokes shifts from ~300 to 3400 cm(-1). This SRS approach provides for collection capabilities that are easily modified between obtaining broadband spectra and single-frequency images.