Acousto-optic deflector configurations optimized for multiphoton scanning microscopy

Abstract

This paper analyzes design considerations to realize acousto-optic deflectors in TeO2 single crystal to be used with ultrashort pulses, especially in multi-photon microscopy. These deflectors are primarily designed for 2D and 3D scanners, therefore it is an important aspect to optimize the combination of different deflection directions within a scanner. This criterion imposes the use of the so called “acoustically rotated” interaction geometry, of which we compare theoretically and experimentally two possible configurations, whose design aspects are also reviewed. We show that selection of the proper configuration for the desired application presents a tradeoff between deflection angle range and minimal chromatic dispersion. The paper gives detailed analysis of the suggested interaction configurations, including experimental validation of the theoretical conclusions.