Femtosecond diode lasers for advanced nonlinear microscopy systems

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin Hofmann
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 529747709

The aim of this technology transfer project is to demonstrate the potential of compact and efficient modelocked diode laser systems for applications in nonlinear microscopy techniques. With diode laser systems for excitation, nonlinear microscopy systems could be considerably reduced in complexity and cost and thus become accessible to a broader range of possible applicants. By development of optimized modelocked diode laser systems, we aim to demonstrate a powerful diode laser based two-photon fluorescence (TPF) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscope as well as a proof of principle for even more challenging approaches as Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS). Via the main objective of demonstrating efficient diode laser based nonlinear microscopes, we face the following major research challenges for the laser development: - Can the laser systems be optimized to provide sufficient parameters, i.e. pulse width and peak power for a state of the art two photon fluorescence microscopy system? - Can they even provide sufficient power to achieve higher frame rates by beam multiplexing? - Can two modelockled diode laser systems at different center wavelengths be sufficiently synchronized for CARS microscopy?

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Application Partner: PreciPoint Innovation GmbH