A novel electro-optical pump-probe system for bioelectromagnetic investigations

Abstract : In the area of bioelectromagnetic studies there is a growing interest to understand the mechanisms leading to nanosecond electric fields induced electroporation. Real-time imaging techniques at molecular level could probably bring further advances on how electric fields interact with living cells. However the investigations are limited by the present-day lack of these kinds of advanced instrumentations. In this context, we present an innovative electro-optical pump-probe system. The aim of our project is to provide a performing and compact device for electrical stimulation and multiplex Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (M-CARS) imaging of biological cells at once. The system consists of a 1064 nm sub-nanosecond laser source providing both a monochromatic pump and a polychromatic Stokes optical beam used in a CARS process, as well as the trigger beam for the optoelectronic switching-based electrical pulse generator. The polychromatic Stokes beam (from 600 to 1700 nm) results from a supercontinuum generation in a photonic crystal fiber (PCF). A detailed spectro-temporal characterization of such a broadband spectrum shows the impact of the nonlinear propagation in the fiber on the Stokes wave. Despite the temporal distortions observable on Stokes pulse profiles, their spectral synchronization with the pump pulse remains possible and efficient in the interesting region between 1100 nm and 1700 nm. The electrical stimulation device consists of a customized generator combining microstrip-line technology and laser-triggered photoconductive semiconductor switches. Our experimental characterization highlights the capability for such a generator to control the main pulse parameters (profile, amplitude and duration) and to be easily synchronized with the imaging system. We finally test and calibrate the system by means of a KDP crystal. The preliminary results suggest that this electro-optical system provides a suitable tool for real-time investigation of bioelectromagnetic interactions in the nanosecond and sub-nanosecond regime.