Black Dwarf – Lasers for voltage 2-photon microscopy

Laser for 2P voltage imaging and micromachining

Pulse energy > 35 µJ
Average power > 35 W
Pulse duration < 100 fs

Introduction

Laser for fast 2-photon (2P) functional voltage imaging and high-precision micromachining

The Black Dwarf 2P is a “one-box” ultrafast laser specifically designed for scaling functional voltage imaging, combining cellular-level resolution with millisecond precision of electrophysiology. Its unprecedented peak power and repetition rate boost 2P excitation efficiency for red-shifted genetically encoded voltage indicators. This gain translates directly into higher spike-detection SNR, multi-plane imaging at > 100 Hz, and reduced motion artefacts during in-vivo imaging—all while staying safely below tissue-heating limits.

Features

Higher 2P signal

Delivers < 100 fs pulses with 35 µJ at 1 MHz repetition rate – boosting 2P excitation efficiency and imaging frame-rate

Adjustable dispersion pre-compensation

Compensate up to 20 000 fs² to maintain sub-100 fs pulses after any microscope relay, maximising fluorescence while minimizing photodamage.

Programmable Pulse Picker & Analog Power Modulation

Select repetition rates from single-shot to 1 MHz and modulate output power to improve your imaging strategy.

One-box, turn-key architecture

Integrated pump laser, pulse compressor and electronics on a small footprint – more focus on your biology

Specs

	Black Dwarf 2P	Black Dwarf 2P dual
Central wavelength	1030 nm	1030 nm (Output 1)	960 or 920 nm (Output 2)
Pulse duration (FWHM)	< 100 fs	< 100 fs	< 100 fs
Pulse energy (compressed)	> 35 µJ	> 35 µJ	> 0.4 µJ at 5 MHz
Average power	> 35 W	> 35 W	> 2 W
Repetition rate	1 MHz	1 MHz	1 – 5 MHz
Beam quality	M² <1.3	M² <1.3	M² <1.3
Power stability ( 12 h)	<0.5%	<0.5%	<1.0%
Dimensions	950 x 650 mm	1200 x 800 mm