Coherent has introduced an improved version of its Chameleon-XR laser, designed to maximise the performance and flexibility of multi-photon excitation microscopes
The improved Chameleon-XR laser combines a wider tuning range (705-980nm) and higher average power (more than 1.5watts at 800nm), with existing Chameleon features such as microscope-optimised pulse width, low M2 (<1.1), and a circular beam profile.
As a result, the new Chameleon-XR laser delivers the industry's highest temporal and spatial resolution for all types of multi-photon excitation microscopy.
The higher output power of the new Chameleon-XR yields several important benefits.
The increase in output power enables a wider tuning range - short wavelengths are ideal for two-photon excitation of indicators such as Dapi and Fura, and long wavelength enable optimum excitation of YFP and DsRed, as well as deep-tissue imaging with minimum scattered light.
High average power is also important for new applications, such as multiple beam excitation.
Here the microscope optics split the beam to create multiple focused spots in the object plane of the sample.
This simultaneous excitation shortens the overall image acquisition time - an important benefit in live cell studies.
Chameleon one-box ultrafast lasers are the only products specifically designed to maximize the potential of multi-photon microscopy.
For instance, all Chameleon models provide pulse widths of about 120fs - optimised for propagation through the optical train of commercially available microscopes.
This maximises excitation efficiency and shortens data acquisition times.
Chameleon lasers also feature high reliability and hands-free sealed operation, due to their use of the long-lived Verdi pump laser.
