Mobius Photonics Laser Source Used in Super-Resolution Microscopy Experiments at Max Planck Institute

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - October 27, 2011) -

Mobius Photonics, an innovative producer of short pulsed fiber laser sources (IR, green, and UV laser), announces that its “G1R2" laser source has been used in super-resolution microscopy experiments at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (Göttingen, Germany). The experiments demonstrated that a laser-based fluorescence microscopy technique called stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy could be used to image intact, living, multicellular organisms.

Over the past few years, much research has focused on developing STED set-ups based on novel laser sources that could enhance the technique’s capabilities -- particularly the ability to generate ultra-high-resolution images of biological samples quickly and to use fluorescent protein variants of choice. The recent experiments at the Max Planck Institute successfully demonstrated multiple laser sources for imaging multicellular, living samples expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP).

The Mobius source was a customized G1R2 laser that was used to produce a comb spectrum of user-selectable visible wavelengths with approximately one nanosecond pulse duration and a 20 MHz repetition rate. The wavelength selectivity allowed researchers to tailor the output for GFP, but could also accommodate markers requiring other wavelengths.

“We’re excited that our G1-series laser has once again been used to help advance super-resolution microscopy,” said Mobius Vice President of Technology Manuel Leonardo. “Our G1R2 laser allowed researchers to test and select optimum wavelengths for imaging samples expressing GFP. It also allowed quick image acquisition and produced the smallest pixel size of the lasers tested.”

Added Leonardo, “Building on our experience in super-resolution microscopy, Mobius has recently developed a new prototype laser that offers similar capabilities to our G1R2, but from an easier-to-use, longer life system. Called ‘Rainbow,’ the current prototype generates five discrete wavelengths. Our aim is that future Rainbow systems could produce up to seven wavelengths between 557 and 651 nm.”

Mobius’ Rainbow prototype produces output at 557 nm, 571 nm, 585 nm, 600 nm and 616 nm. The output is switchable between the individual wavelengths, so can be tailored for particular fluorescent markers. Rainbow features approximately 1-ns pulses at repetition rates of up to 20 MHz and pulse energies ranging from 25 to over 50 nJ per pulse, depending on the wavelength. The result is a laser system designed to allow high-resolution image generation with fast acquisition times.

Max Planck Institute researchers conducted the STED experiments with collaboration from colleagues at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Göttingen, Germany) and the Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, Connecticut). More details on the experiments can be found in the following article and its supporting materials. “Nanoscopy in a Living Multicellular Organism Expressing GFP” by Brian R. Rankin, Gael Moneron, Christian A. Wurm, Jessica C. Nelson, Arne Walter, Dirk Schwarzer, Jörg Schroeder, Daniel A. Colón-Ramos, Stefan W. Hell, Biophysical Journal, 22 June 2011 (Vol. 100, Issue 12, pp. L63-L65)

About Mobius Photonics
Founded in 2005, Mobius Photonics, Inc. produces fiber-based laser sources for applications ranging from material processing for solar cell manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication and assembly, and flat panel display manufacturing, to scientific uses such as super-resolution microscopy. The Mobius Photonics team combines in-depth understanding of customer needs with manufacturing experience, and pushes the state-of-the-art by working in close collaboration with suppliers and customers around the world.

For more information, visit www.mobiusphotonics.com or call (408) 496-1084.

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