Focus on microscopy and photonics

The QNP-Z series of compact piezo nanopositioning stages from Aerotech is designed for exacting applications in microscopy and optics alignment. Resolution to 0.15 nm, linearity to 0.007%, and repeatability to 1 nm ensure nanometer-level precision. The stages are offered with travel ranges from 100 µm to 600 µm and in vacuum versions. Guided by frictionless flexures that are optimized with finite element analysis, they offer high stiffness, high process throughput, and resonant frequency up to 1050 Hz for fast closed-loop response. The stages are available with or without feedback. Closed-loop feedback, designed with a novel capacitive sensor, allows for subnanometer resolution and high linearity. Without feedback, or open loop, the stages are a cost-effective choice for applications in which absolute positioning accuracy and repeatability are not required or piezo position is controlled by an external feedback source. Aerotech Inc, 101 Zeta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2811, http://www.aerotech.com

PicoQuant has introduced two high-power picosecond pulsed laser modules with variable repetition rates. The VisIR-765 STED was developed for stimulated emission depletion microscopy. It delivers an optical output power of up to 1.5 W at 766 nm with a laser pulse width of 500 ps. Short pulse width below 70 ps is optional. The pulse width and excellent circular beam shape allow for accurate beam shaping and optimal sample illumination leading to reduced photobleaching. Suitable for fluorescence lifetime applications, the VisUV laser can generate light at 266, 355, and 532 nm. Any wavelength can be chosen individually or in combination with one or two other lines. The laser can achieve average output powers between 2 mW and 500 mW and pulse widths of less than 70 ps. Both lasers can be operated at internally selectable repetition rates between 31.25 kHz and 80 MHz or externally triggered at any repetition rate between 1 Hz and 80 MHz. PicoQuant, Rudower Chaussee 29, 12489 Berlin, Germany, https://www.picoquant.com

Physik Instrumente has added a miniaturized piezo-driven linear positioner to its line of Q-Motion linear and rotary systems for precise positioning and alignment of optomechanical components in research and OEM instrumentation. The ultracompact Q-521 is 21 mm wide and comes with travel ranges of 12, 22, and 32 mm. It features an integrated linear encoder and maximum velocity of 10 mm/s. Several options are available for the Q-521 stage series, including economical open- and closed-loop designs, advanced feedback sensors that provide resolution as high as 1 nm, and XY mounting without an adapter. Also offered are vacuum-compatible stages and ultrahigh vacuum and nonmagnetic options. Applications for the Q-Motion miniature linear stages include photonics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, optics, life sciences, and medical design. Physik Instrumente LP, 16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501, http://www.pi-usa.us

The FemtoFiber pro SCYb all-fiber high-power laser system from Toptica provides laser pulses with a center wavelength of 1030 nm and a duration below 100 fs. It is based on a stable, saturable-absorber-mirror mode-locked erbium-doped oscillator operating at 1560 nm. Ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers level up the power typically to 700 mW at the laser output. The system includes a small grating compressor unit to achieve transform-limited output pulses in the range of 90–100 fs, with more than 70% of the total power in the main peak. It operates at a repetition rate of 80 MHz and provides a TEM₀₀-beam shape with M² < 1.2 and a beam diameter of 2 mm. The ultracompact pro SCYb is suitable for applications in nonlinear microscopy—for example, effective two-photon excitation of fluorescent proteins and second-harmonic generation-based contrast mechanisms—and for terahertz generation of pulsed radiation. Toptica Photonics Inc, 1286 Blossom Drive, Victor, NY 14564, http://www.toptica.com

Leica Microsystems designed its TCS SP8 DLS digital light-sheet microscope to be integrated into its TCS SP8 confocal microscope for the observation of developmental processes in real time and 3D. Light-sheet microscopy gently images light-sensitive samples or fast biological processes in whole organisms. The specimen is illuminated in a single plane, which reduces phototoxic effects and protects the sample. In the Leica approach, a light-sheet module is integrated into an inverted TCS SP8 confocal system. The TwinFlect mirror deflects the illuminating light sheet at a 90° angle, which allows digital light-sheet and confocal imaging to be combined in one system without compromising confocal functionality. According to the company, other solutions require a dedicated optical setup on an independent system with perpendicular illuminating and detecting objectives. Functions such as stimulated emission depletion superresolution microscopy and multiphoton or quantitative imaging can be added to the TCS SP8 DLS when necessary. Leica Microsystems Inc, 1700 Leider Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, http://www.leica-microsystems.com

Quantel Laser has introduced its ELBA compact IR/visible continuous-wave fiber laser platform for medicine and biophotonics. Designed to be integrated by bioinstrumentation OEMs, the reliable, maintenance-free platform includes a compact IR laser and electronics module and a remotely locatable, ultracompact IP54-sealed laser head containing the wavelength conversion crystals. The platform features wavelengths in the green, yellow, red, and IR ranges; output power up to 10-W IR and 3-W visible; and excellent beam quality and beam-pointing stability. All ELBA fiber lasers are CE and FDA certified. Applications include laser doppler velocimetry, atom trapping, high-resolution spectroscopy, DNA sequencing, and ophthalmology. Quantel Laser, 601 Haggerty Lane, Bozeman, MT 59715-2001, http://www.quantel-laser.com

Bruker has released the second generation of its IR nanocharacterization system, Inspire, which extends atomic force microscopy (AFM) into the chemical regime by providing 10-nm correlated IR, mechanical, and topographical information. With IR EasyAlign, Inspire now simplifies scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy, a technique for identifying chemical composition at the nanoscale. According to the company, that makes high-resolution nanoscale chemical mapping widely accessible. The system expands on Bruker’s PeakForce Tapping technology to provide new information for graphene research, polymers, complex materials, and thin films. It correlates chemical maps with sample properties such as modulus, conductivity, and work function. Inspire integrates optics, detectors, configurable sources, and AFM hardware into a complete, laser-safe package. Bruker Nano Surfaces Division, 19 Fortune Drive, Billerica, MA 01821, http://www.bruker.com

According to Energetiq Technology, its EQ-400 high-power, ultrabright laser-driven light source offers the highest radiance and irradiance available in a broadband white light source. With a 170- to 2100-nm wavelength range and a choice of source between dual- or single-beam output with a retro-reflector, the EQ-400 is a flexible device with various applications. It features a compact lamp house with clean construction for long life and ultimate stability. The EQ-400 has high spectral radiance of greater than 100 mW/mm² ∙ sr ∙ nm from a 100-µm aperture and spectral power of more than 10 mW/nm from a 500-µm aperture. It offers low noise better than 0.02%. Energetiq Technology Inc, 7 Constitution Way, Woburn, MA 01801, http://www.energetiq.com

A novel optical clip from Siskiyou Corp secures high-flatness components, such as optics with a flatness of λ/10 or better, in optical mounts without significantly degrading their wavefront performance. According to the company, traditional means of holding optics in mounts, such as set screws or permanent adhesives, introduce mechanical stress that can warp the optical component. The new clips also prevent lateral movement, important for radially centered components, such as lenses, since a position change can affect beam alignment. The clips are compatible with Siskiyou two-axis-adjustment, flexure, and kinematic optical mounts for mirrors, lenses, and beamsplitters. Standard sizes match optical components with outer diameters of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 inches; metric options are 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 mm. The clips attach with two screws that are accessed from the front of the mount, so it is easy to remove optics for cleaning or replacement. Siskiyou Corporation, 110 Southwest Booth Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526, http://www.siskiyou.com

Suitable for reliable light or fiber alignment in microscopy and fiber optics, FAPO fiber positioners from OWIS allow for sensitive adjustment with nanometer precision in all dimensions. They are useful for space-limited applications and available in three sizes: FAPO 40, FAPO 50, and FAPO 65. The positioners are available with either a fiber channel or subminiature A adapter to fasten fibers. Equipped with the company’s high-precision MS 10 micrometers, they reach a setting sensitivity of 20 nm. The FAPO 40 and FAPO 65 are available with OWIS FGS 15 fine-thread screws, which provide a spindle pitch of 0.15 mm. The FAPO 50 allows three axes to be adjusted with high precision. The FAPO 40 and FAPO 65 are designed for up to four axes. For flexible operation, the units are compatible with the company’s optical-beam handling systems SYS 40 and SYS 65. OWIS GmbH, Im Gaisgraben 7, 79219 Staufen im Breisgau, Germany, http://www.owis.eu/en

Micronor now offers a linear position sensor system for OEM motion control applications that is safe for magnetic resonance imaging. With 100-µm resolution and 50-µm accuracy, the MR303 is suitable for precisely monitoring position and speed in medical, robotic, and industrial applications. The fiber-optic linear incremental encoder system is based on the company’s novel optical technique in which an electrically passive, all-optical sensor and remote controller are interconnected via a duplex fiber-optic link. Micronor’s MR302-2 OEM controller enables the sensor to integrate with conventional programmable logic controller and servo drives. The position sensor is immune to electromagnetic interference, and because it is fabricated from nonferrous and nonmetallic materials, it is transparent to electromagnetic fields. Micronor Inc, 750 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320, http://www.micronor.com

The novel 1490-nm Al RWG F/P laser diode series from OSI Laser Diode is designed for optical testing applications in which high-peak pulsed optical power is required, such as optical time-domain reflectometers and optical spectrum analyzers. According to the company, its new SCW 1430 product series offers excellent pulse-drift performance and high stability. The modules come in four packages: 14-pin dual in-line package, 14-pin butterfly, 3-pin coaxial, and 3-pin TO56 housings. Compliant with Restriction of Hazardous Substances directives, the high-peak pulsed laser diode modules typically operate at a center wavelength of 1490 nm, with a 1470-nm minimum and a 1510-nm maximum. They deliver no less than 100 mW of in-fiber optical power and a minimum of 300 mW (TO56). The new products are easy to integrate into new or existing systems. OSI Laser Diode Inc, 4 Olsen Avenue, Edison, NJ 08820, http://www.laserdiode.com

Calmar Laser has introduced a new product to its Cazadero family of fiber-based femtosecond lasers. Designed for deep-tissue multiphoton microscopy applications, the air-cooled Cazadero FLCPA-05O features high-peak-power femtosecond pulses at both the 1300- and 1700-nm wavelengths in which it is offered. According to the company, the fiber-based design offers compact size, ease of positioning, high uptime, and low cost. It claims that the very high (MHz) repetition rates have an advantage over legacy titanium-doped sapphire and optical-parametric-amplifier systems that typically operate around 40 kHz. The higher speed increases the total signal strength and makes live video imaging possible. Calmar Laser, 951 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA 94303, http://www.calmarlaser.com

The StarBright handheld laser power and energy meter from the Ophir Photonics Group measures power, single-shot energy, repetitive energy, frequency, and beam size for the company’s thermal, pyroelectric, and photodiode laser sensors and irradiance and dosage for its PD300RM radiometer sensors. When used with Ophir’s BeamTrack power, position, and size sensors, it can monitor laser-beam size and track beam position to fractions of a millimeter. A brightly lit, 320- by 240-pixel color display with 16-mm digits clearly shows measurements from picowatts to kilowatts and picojoules to hundreds of joules. The display format can be digital with a bargraph or analog using a needle. The digital screen can average measurements over selected periods of time, which is useful for unstable lasers; the analog needle display is designed for adjusting and maximizing laser power or energy. A line graph tracks measurements over time. Ophir-Spiricon LLC, 3050 North 300 West, North Logan, UT 84341, http://www.ophiropt.com