Black Dwarf 2P

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

Performance

Spectrum

Measured optical spectrum with central wavelength at 1030 nm, and spectral bandwidth of 25 nm FWHM.

Pulse duration

Measured intensity autocorrelation with pulse duration of 77 fs FWHM

Power stability

Measured average output power at 32 W (after wedge) at repetition rate of 1 MHz over 110 hours. The power fluctuation is 0.15% r.m.s.

Beam quality

Measured beam quality with M2 < 1.3 in both axes.

Applications

EUV / XUV imaging & metrology
Multiphoton microscopy
Attosecond science
2P voltage imaging
Precision glass cutting
Optogenetics

Downloads

FAQ

What are the main differences between the White Dwarf 2P and the Black Dwarf 2P?

The White Dwarf 2P is optimized for 2P calcium imaging at 920 or 960 nm and delivers 5 W output power based on OPCPA technology. The Black Dwarf is optimized for voltage imaging at 1030 nm and delivers 40 W based on fiber laser technology.

Is the pump laser included in the Black Dwarf?

Yes, we offer the full package including pump laser and OPCPA. The pump laser is integrated into the OPCPA housing on a shared thermally managed breadboard offering a robust one-box solution and control system.

Will Black Dwarf 2P integrate with my existing microscope?

Yes. The system’s ±20 000 fs² adjustable pre-compensator lets you dial in the exact dispersion of most commercial or custom scan heads. With pulse picking and a full software API./

What gives Black Dwarf 2P an edge over a classic Ti:Sapphire oscillator for two-photon voltage imaging?

A Ti:Sa delivers ≈0.5 µJ pulses at 80 MHz; Black Dwarf 2P delivers 40 µJ at 1 MHz with < 100 fs duration. Concentrating the same average power into far fewer, shorter pulses raises the two-photon excitation probability ~15 ×, delivering 3-fold higher fluorescence and ~70 % higher spike-detection SNR while remaining below brain-heating limits.

Publications

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