Selecting the Right Optics for Ultrafast Microscopy

Ultrafast lasers are being increasingly used in life science imaging techniques such as multiphoton microscopy. However, the short pulse durations and high peak powers of ultrafast lasers make selecting the right optical components — such as filters, objectives, and mirrors — to use with them especially important. Ultrafast multiphoton microscopy is ideal for capturing high-resolution three-dimensional images with reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity for brain, retina, and other biological imaging. Wheeler discusses how to choose the right optics to improve the performance of ultrafast microscopy systems, reduce losses, and decrease the likelihood of laser-induced damage.

About the presenter
Olivia Wheeler, Ph.D., is an ultrafast laser optics engineer at Edmund Optics. She guides customers through choosing the correct optical components for their ultrafast laser systems. She holds a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Wheeler previously worked for Purdue University and is experienced in designing, building, and aligning ultrafast optical systems, including microscopes and spectrometers.