Multiplex stimulated Raman imaging with white probe-light from a photonic-crystal fibre and with multi-wavelength balanced detection

Abstract

A straightforward method for spectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is to measure the scanned gain/loss spectrum of a white probe light from a photonic crystal fibre (PCF). However, the intensity of the white light noise is a serious problem for SRS microscopy. In this study, we have demonstrated simultaneous two-wavelength SRS microscopy with PCF through balanced detection suitable for spectroscopy with a modification of an auto-balance scheme. The developed auto-balance detection system suppresses the degradation of noise cancellation performance caused by a sample, and is suitable for spectral SRS imaging with simple and robust optics.