Compact diode laser source for multiphoton biological imaging

We demonstrate a compact, pulsed diode laser source suitable for multiphoton microscopy of biological samples. The center wavelength is 976 nm, near the peak of the two-photon cross section of common fluorescent markers such as genetically encoded green and yellow fluorescent proteins. The laser repetition rate is electrically tunable between 66.67 kHz and 10 MHz, with 2.3 ps pulse duration and peak powers \u3e1 kW. The laser components are fiber-coupled and scalable to a compact package. We demonstrate \u3e600 μm depth penetration in brain tissue, limited by laser power