Miniaturized probe using 2 axis MEMS scanner for endoscopic multiphoton excitation microscopy

Abstract

The practical limitation of in vivo multiphoton excitation microscopy (MPM) is the lack of a compact and flexible probe. Most MPM depends on the bench-top microscope, which prohibits expansion of in vivo application. In this study, we introduced a miniaturized MPM probe using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror and a doubleclad photonic crystal fiber (DCPCF). Benefits from both a MEMS mirror and a DCPCF overcome current obstacles for probe development, such as size reduction, rapid scanning, efficient delivery of short pulses, and high collection rate of fluorescent signals. In this study, the completed probe was 1 cm in outer diameter and 14 cm in length. The probe was then integrated to the MPM system and used to image fluorescent beads, paper and biological specimens.