Laser/OPO combo for photoacoustic imaging by Spectra-Physics
Pairing the company's Quanta-Ray laser and green-pumped Scan Series optical-parametric oscillator (OPO), the alphaScan integrated OPO and pump laser from Spectra-Physics, a Newport Corp. brand (Santa Clara, CA), delivers >50 mJ of pulse energy in the near-infrared (NIR) for photoacoustic imaging of live tissues for cancer research. A rapid-scan option enables tunable switching up to 100 nm in alternating laser pulses for differential measurements, enabling simultaneous detection of two distinct markers or differential absorption measurement of two wavelengths.
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PRESS RELEASE
Spectra-Physics® Launches Integrated Laser-OPO for Photoacoustic Imaging
• alphaScan™ high energies and ease-of-use ideal for tumor detection and cancer research
Santa Clara, CA – May 3, 2012 – Spectra-Physics®, a Newport Corporation brand, introduces alphaScan, a compact integrated optical-parametric oscillator (OPO) and pump laser that outputs high energies in the near-infrared (NIR) for photoacoustic imaging. With a rapid-scan option, the system is capable of switching wavelengths in alternating laser pulses for differential measurements, enabling enhanced imaging and signal quality. The system is software controlled and fully automated for simple operation in biological imaging and spectroscopy applications.
“With its high energies and flexible tunability, alphaScan is a powerful, yet easy-to-use, compact device,” said Herman Chui, senior director of product marketing for Spectra-Physics. “This system is ideal for the promising photoacoustic technique for imaging the structure of live tissues for cancer research.”
Photoacoustic imaging, also known as photoacoustic tomography, is an emerging technique for imaging live tissue at depths up to 10 cm for detecting tumors and cancer research. Using this method, the laser light locally excites acoustic waves in the live tissue for high resolution, spectroscopic imaging at very large depths.
The new alphaScan delivers >50 mJ of pulse energy in the near infrared, useful for biological applications utilizing the hemoglobin absorption region. The rapid-scan option allows the system to tune up to 100nm between alternating pulses for the simultaneous detection of two distinct markers, or differential absorption measurement of two wavelengths. The system integrates proven, highly reliable technology, including a Spectra-Physics Quanta-Ray® laser and green-pumped Scan Series OPO, into a single, compact, and easy-to-use device.
For more information, please visit: www.newport.com/alphaScan.
About Newport Corporation
Newport Corporation is a leading global supplier of advanced-technology products and systems to customers in the scientific research, microelectronics manufacturing, aerospace and defense/security, life and health sciences and precision industrial manufacturing markets.
Newport’s innovative solutions leverage its expertise in high-power semiconductor, solid-state and ultrafast lasers, photonics instrumentation, sub-micron positioning systems, vibration isolation, optical subsystems and precision automation to enhance the capabilities and productivity of its customers’ manufacturing, engineering and research applications. Newport is part of the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Index and the Russell 2000 Index.
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