Hybrid dispersion laser scanner

Sci Rep. 2012:2:445. doi: 10.1038/srep00445. Epub 2012 Jun 8.

Abstract

Laser scanning technology is one of the most integral parts of today's scientific research, manufacturing, defense, and biomedicine. In many applications, high-speed scanning capability is essential for scanning a large area in a short time and multi-dimensional sensing of moving objects and dynamical processes with fine temporal resolution. Unfortunately, conventional laser scanners are often too slow, resulting in limited precision and utility. Here we present a new type of laser scanner that offers ∼1,000 times higher scan rates than conventional state-of-the-art scanners. This method employs spatial dispersion of temporally stretched broadband optical pulses onto the target, enabling inertia-free laser scans at unprecedented scan rates of nearly 100 MHz at 800 nm. To show our scanner's broad utility, we use it to demonstrate unique and previously difficult-to-achieve capabilities in imaging, surface vibrometry, and flow cytometry at a record 2D raster scan rate of more than 100 kHz with 27,000 resolvable points.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging / instrumentation
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Flow Cytometry / instrumentation
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Lasers*
  • Microscopy, Confocal / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Spectrum Analysis / instrumentation
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods