Hyperspectral stimulated Raman imaging with a turn-key imaging system based on a compact fiber laser and balanced detection

Hyperspectral Stimulated Raman Imaging (SRS) has shown great promise as a label-free chemical imaging technique in biomedical and medical research. We present recent developments in SRS integrating a compact and portable all-fiber laser with balanced detection into an imaging system, aiming to enhance ease-of-use, specificity, and reliability in acquiring high-speed, multicolor chemical images. The system's adaptability is highlighted by its seamless integration with a Nikon Eclipse Ti widefield microscope, providing a compact and robust extension for varied imaging setups. The system incorporates a balanced detector to enable shot-noise-limited measurements, accommodating over 100mW of Stokes power on the detector.