Unique technology

Acousto-optic deflectors (AOD) are promising fast light-steering devices but their use for multiphoton microscopy poses serious challenges. In our design, AOD small angular scanning range has been compensated for, using large aperture devices to yield a wide field of view. We have also developed a unique technology to mitigate the spatio-temporal chromatic distortion imparted by the deflectors on femtosecond laser beams. A single acousto-optic modulator (AOM) performs simultaneous spatial and temporal chromatic compensations. Our design optimizes power transmission, permits pre-alignedone-click tuning of the scanning head when changing the laser wavelength, and replaces expensive GVD precompensation modules .