In situ and real time monitoring of two-photon polymerization using broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy.

We demonstrate in situ and real time characterization of two-photon polymerization (TPP) by means of broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. The same experimental setup based on one femtosecond oscillator is used to perform both TPP and broadband CARS microscopy. We performed in situ imaging with chemical specificity of three-dimensional microstructures fabricated by TPP, and successfully followed the writing process in real time. Broadband CARS microscopy allowed discerning between polymerized and unpolymerized material. Imaging with good vibrational contrast is achieved without causing any damage to the microstructures or undesired polymerization within the sample.