Open AccessNicoLase—An open-source diode laser combiner, fiber launch, and sequencing controller for fluorescence microscopy
Author(s) -
Philip R. Nicovich,
James Walsh,
Till Böcking,
Katharina Gaus
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0173879
Subject(s) - optics , laser , fluorescence microscope , optoelectronics , materials science , optical fiber , microscopy , fiber laser , diode , software , laser diode , wavelength , computer science , physics , fluorescence , programming language
Modern fluorescence microscopy requires software-controlled illumination sources with high power across a wide range of wavelengths. Diode lasers meet the power requirements and combining multiple units into a single fiber launch expands their capability across the required spectral range. We present the NicoLase, an open-source diode laser combiner, fiber launch, and software sequence controller for fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution microscopy applications. Two configurations are described, giving four or six output wavelengths and one or two single-mode fiber outputs, with all CAD files, machinist drawings, and controller source code openly available.