Light Conversion’s product portfolio features microscopy-dedicated femtosecond laser sources CRONUS-2P and CRONUS-3P.
These lasers cover applications in functional neuroimaging, optogenetics, and deep imaging using medium-repetition-rate three-photon excitation and fast high‑repetition-rate two-photon imaging, as well as widefield and holographic excitation using high-power laser sources.
CRONUS-2P Three-Channel Wavelength-Tunable Femtosecond Laser
CRONUS-2P is a three-channel tunable femtosecond laser providing watt-level, synchronized outputs with high repetition rates, short pulse durations, and GDD control, making it the ultimate source for nonlinear microscopy. In its standard configuration, the two independently tunable outputs, which can operate separately or simultaneously, cover 680 – 960 nm and 940 – 1300 nm, respectively. The third output, fixed at 1025 nm, is accessible in parallel.
Due to this versatility, CRONUS-2P can be applied for the simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescent probes, calcium indicators, or opsins at their absorption maxima. Additionally, second- and third‑harmonic emission (SHG and THG) can be spectrally shifted for easier detection or resonant enhancement.
The two tunable and simultaneous channels also enable advanced coherent anti-Stokes and stimulated Raman scattering (CARS and SRS) applications with dual-band imaging, a broader selection of vibrational resonance frequencies, constant-difference dual‑beam tuning, and resonant enhancement.
- Watt-level output at high repetition rates for fast imaging
- Two tunable and one fixed output for simultaneous multibeam excitation
- Automated GDD control for the shortest pulses at the sample
- Feedback-based output power and wavelength stabilization
- Beam steering & power locking
Download datasheet here
CRONUS-3P Laser Source for Advanced Nonlinear Microscopy
CRONUS-3P is a turnkey laser source developed for advanced nonlinear microscopy. It provides µJ-level pulses with durations down to 50 fs at repetition rates of up to 2 MHz. The pulses are tunable in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) range from 1250 to 1800 nm, covering the biological transparency windows at 1300 and 1700 nm essential for three-photon (3P) microscopy. Additionally, CRONUS-3P features integrated group delay dispersion (GDD) control, beam steering, and an optional simultaneous 1030 nm output.
Conventional multiphoton imaging in the SWIR range often requires complex multi-device laser systems, large optical tables, and skilled staff, creating barriers for neuroscience and other biomedical applications. CRONUS-3P addresses the challenges as a next‑generation, industrial-grade, single-supplier solution. Compact, reliable, and versatile, it offers tunable femtosecond excitation with GDD compensation to ensure optimal pulse duration at the sample. Its industrial-grade design guarantees high pulse-to-pulse energy and long-term power stability.
- High pulse energy for deep imaging
- 1250 – 1800 nm tuning range for 3P imaging
- Down to 50 fs pulse duration for high peak power
- Automated wavelength and GDD control for optimal signal
- Maintenance-free single-box solution
Download datasheet here
Image above: The microenvironment of an intact mouse whisker pad, revealed through multiplex label-free nonlinear microscopy using CRONUS-3P, illuminated at 1300 nm. Courtesy of Kunzan Liu, Sixian You laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Videos:
Multimodal 3D imaging of a live zebrafish yolk sac at 1300 nm excitation using CRONUS-3P. 3PEF – green, trans THG – white. Courtesy of Luigi Bonacina group, University of Geneva (2024).
2P light-sheet imaging of the atrium in an adult mouse, acquired using the CARBIDE femtosecond laser with I-OPA. Courtesy of Bliq Photonics.
Multimodal 3D imaging of a live zebrafish at 1300 nm excitation using CRONUS-3P. 3PEF – green, trans SHG – yellow, epi THG – dark blue, trans THG – cyan. Courtesy of Luigi Bonacina group, University of Geneva.
Multimodal 3D imaging of a live zebrafish at 1300 nm excitation using CRONUS-3P. 3PEF – green, trans SHG – yellow, epi THG – dark blue, trans THG – cyan. Courtesy of Luigi Bonacina group, University of Geneva.
Download further resources below:
Examples of Microscopy Applications
For a complete list of laser sources available for nonlinear microscopy and examples of state-of-the-art applications:
Download the Light Conversion Product Catalogue: Microscopy Sources
