Power scalable speckle-free multi-wavelength light engine for super-resolution microscopy

The microscopy field has been rapidly developing lately, focusing on enhancing resolution, speed, and versatility within the imaging methods. Among several rapidly developing microscopy techniques is super-resolution microscopy, which enables surpassing of the diffraction limit of light and, thus, gives us access to the details of the biological processes unseen before. Achieving such high resolution requires a laser light engine that meets strict criteria for beam quality, power range, and stability.

This paper focuses on the development of a light engine tailored for super-resolution microscopy, emphasizing its ability to integrate essential specifications for this imaging modality. These include precise center wavelengths with narrow spectral linewidths optimized for specific fluorescent labels. The laser’s power output is aimed to be adjustable across a broad dynamic range, from milliwatts to watts, meeting various imaging needs while ensuring sample integrity. Apart from that minimizing laser speckle noise is critical for producing consistent, high-clarity microscope images.

The developed ML6600 microscopy platform has the capability to accommodate up to four wavelengths (355 nm, 405 nm, 488 nm, 532 nm, 561 nm, and 638 nm). The laser light engine is technically characterized to validate its performance in demanding technical application. The characterization of speckle noise demonstrates its effective control to within a few percent, ensuring stable and reliable imaging outcomes. The obtained laser system can be further seamlessly integrated into existing microscopy platforms, advancing capabilities for cutting-edge microscopy imaging.