Miniaturized probe based on a microelectromechanical system mirror for multiphoton microscopy

A factor that limits the use of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) in clinical and preclinical studies is the lack of a compact and flexible probe. We report on a miniaturized MPM probe employing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror and a double-clad photonic crystal fiber (DCPCF). The use of a MEMS mirror and a DCPCF provides many advantages, such as size reduction, rapid and precise scanning, efficient delivery of short pulses, and high collection efficiency of fluorescent signals. The completed probe was 1 cm in outer diameter and 14 cm in length. The developed probe was integrated into an MPM system and used to image fluorescent beads, paper, and biological specimens. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.