High-speed CARS spectral imaging using acousto optic tunable filter

Abstract

We developed a high speed CARS (coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering) spectral-imaging system using an acousto optic tunable filter and multi-focus excitation system. We compared two methods of CARS emission filtering and CARS excitation filtering. In both case, two laser pulses with narrow band (picosecond laser) and broad band (femotosecond laser)were used for the light source. For CARS emission filtering, the generated CARS was filtered by an AOTF, and for excitation filtering the broad band femtosecond laser pulse were filtered by an AOTF before excitation. The experimental results indicated that the CARS emission filtering was suitable for CARS microscopy.