Suitable laser for 2-photon brain imaging

Posted by Hana Uhlirova on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/Suitable-laser-for-2-photon-brain-imaging-tp7588232.html

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Hello list, I'd like to know your opinions about the laser type suitable for 2-photon in vivo brain imaging. We are considering the Chameleon Ultra family from Coherent (Ultra, Ultra I and Ultra II) and Chameleon Vision. With Vision we would get the dispersion pre-compensation but the peak power is only 2.5 W as is for the Ultra. Ultra I has peak power of 2.9 W and Ultra II 3.5 W. In my old lab we used to have the Ultra II which I think is the most common choice.
My questions:
1. Does anyone use Ultra or Ultra I for multi-photon in vivo brain imaging and is the laser power sufficient?
2. Does someone use the dispersion pre-compensation of Vision I? If so, in which microscope and does it provide a significant improvement over a non-compensated beam?
3. What are the implications of the laser choice on fluorescence lifetime imaging?

Thank you very much for your opinions and suggestions.  

Hana Uhlirova
Institute of Scientific Instruments of the CAS
Czech Republic