A European research project called CARMEN seeks to improve the detection of cancerous cells during surgery through the use of multimodal imaging. The project is led by Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH) and Multitel asbl in Belgium, with support from JenLab GmbH, DELTATEC, and LaserSpec. The project aims to develop a compact, multimodal imaging system.

Specifically, the partners hope to develop a laser system capable of generating several excitation wavelengths and different pulse durations, necessary to facilitate a compact multimodal system. Such a system could potentially enable the combination of anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy with multiphoton and superresolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy in a single device. The combination would enable medical personnel to examine tissue samples directly after surgery or, potentially, in surgery

Researchers at LZH, in cooperation with Multitel, are developing a fiber-based ultrashort-pulse source for the novel laser system. The source will simultaneously pump two optical parametric oscillators from Belgian company LaserSpec.

The system will have multiple beam outputs with tunable wavelengths and will be able to generate simultaneous pulses in both the femtosecond and picosecond ranges, providing a necessary foundation for joining the three imaging modalities into one system. JenLab will design that system. DELTATEC will develop an extremely fast electronic system to control the multimodal system. The electronic technology also links the laser system with the scanner technology of the microscope.

Because of the favorable thermal properties of glass fibers, air cooling will be sufficient for the laser, which ultimately reduces the cost and increases portability, while making the system more energy-efficient than comparable microscopes with Ti:sapphire lasers, for example.