Compact silicon photomultiplier detection of multimodal multiphoton microscopy signals

Abstract

Silicon photomultipliers are a promising new type of detector for low light detection applications. In the field of multiphoton imaging, photomultiplier tubes have been the traditional detector of choice. Apart from their robustness, low cost, and low-voltage requirements, one key advantage SiPMs have over PMTs is their compact size. This allows for the creation of compact signal collection paths that will benefit the development of compact multimodal multiphoton microscopes. In this ongoing work, we demonstrate the acquisition of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, second harmonic generation, and two-photon excitation fluorescence signals for multiphoton microscopy imaging of various samples using a compact SiPM detector and photomultiplier tube simultaneously for visual comparison. We discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of using either detector, particularly to how it pertains to developing compact microscopes and probes.