Single-cell high-precision ablation using nanosecond-pulsed thulium-doped fiber laser

SignificancePrecise laser ablation at the single-cell level is demonstrated on onion epidermal and human neuroblastoma cells for the first time using a 1.95 μm thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL). The high-precision laser ablation demonstrated paves the way for micro-dissection and surgery in scientific and clinical applications.AimWe aimed to ablate individual target cells with pulsed laser radiation while minimizing damage to neighboring cells and to study the effects of pulse variation on laser ablation outcome.ApproachAn advanced 1.95 μm nanosecond-pulsed TDFL is developed offering a high degree of pulse control and coupled to a microscope to enable simultaneous ablating and monitoring. A reflective microscope objective is used to focus the light onto the sample without chromatic aberrations. Systematic studies of ablation outcomes using different pulse parameters are then performed.ResultsSingle-cell ablation is achieved, with a precision of 31.3±0.1 μm for onion epidermal cells and 20 μm for fixed human neuroblastoma cells, in which the latter demonstrates the ability to target fixed individual cells in a sample of up to 250,000 cells. Careful control of the pulse parameters produced ablation without carbonization and cavitation bubbles.ConclusionsSingle-cell level ablation harnessing a TDFL is clearly demonstrated on onion epidermal cells and human neuroblastoma cells. The TDFL, with an easily accessible range of wavelengths, provides significant opportunities in the field of biology and medicine for stimulation, dissection, and surgical applications.