Photonic crystal fibres

["José A. Feijó"]

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Some users just pointed out to us recent literature on the use of
Photonic crystal fibres (PCF) to enhance the penetration of 2P imaging.
the theory seems nice, and the comparisons impressive per se.
Nevertheless I couldn't help noticing the fact that the control (= w/o
PCF) ended in pretty bad penetrations rates for any regular 2P system (<
30 um). Also most comparisons are made with a standard > 250fs pulse,
when most system allow going significantly bellow that.
I was wondering if anyone has hands-on experience with this solution,
specially on the real-life world of live biological imaging? I believe
it should have drawbacks as well (loss of power?).The price of these
things doesn't seem too bad, and even if not that spectacular as
claimed, could produce an added value worth the investment.
Thanks in advance for any feed-back.

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Jose' A. Feijo', Prof.                    
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Dep. Biologia Vegetal, Fac.Ciencias, Universidade Lisboa
PT-1749-016 Lisboa, PORTUGAL

tel. [phone]/24, fax  [phone]

and/ e

Inst.Gulbenkian Ciencia, PT-2780-156 Oeiras, PORTUGAL

tel. [phone]/19, fax [phone]
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e.mail: [hidden email]                          
URL: http://www.igc.gulbenkian.pt/code/research.php?lang=en&unit_id=38
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