Single source coherent anti-Stokes Raman microspectroscopy using spectral focusing

We demonstrate coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microspectroscopy using a single Ti:sapphire laser oscillator and simple passive optical elements. Spectral selection by dichroic mirrors and linear chirping by glass elements creates a vibrational excitation tuneable over a large spectral range (similar to 800-2200 cm(-1)) with adjustable spectral resolution (similar to 10-100 cm(-1)). We furthermore demonstrate the applicability of differential CARS, enhancing the chemical selectivity, with the proposed single-laser configuration.