Abstract
Super-resolution techniques based on Raman spectroscopy could be implemented as label-free alternatives to fluorescence-based techniques due to their chemically specific signal and multiplexing potential. In previous work, we developed a stimulated Raman-based imaging technique that surpassed the diffraction limit using a toroidally shaped pulse to deplete the signal in a spatially defined area. The photophysical principles of depletion and improved spatial resolution were demonstrated using a 1-kHz laser with high peak power that were able to efficiently drive depletion. However, this laser was not well suited for soft matter samples, which degraded under the intense beams. To improve the biological capabilities of our setup, we have adapted our technique for a 2.04-MHz laser system. The increased repetition rate produces far more spectra per second, allowing us to decrease the pulse powers while maintaining reasonable acquisition times. Using the 2.04-MHz laser, we are able to demonstrate strong signal depletion of 62% and resolution enhancements of 52%, which is comparable with the metrics obtained with the 1-kHz laser. However, further improvements in resolution were not achieved despite increases in the depletion beam energy relative to the other beams. Frequency-resolved optical gating analysis of the fundamental output of the 2.04 MHz laser indicated an inconsistent pulse phase and duration. We expect that the inconsistent depletion was a result of this pulse profile and conclude that efficient depletion depends on highly reproducible and stable laser pulses.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 404-411 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Raman Spectroscopy |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 16 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Funding for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation, Division of Chemistry Grant CHE‐1552849 (C.T.G.) and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Grant 5R35‐GM119441 (D.P. and M.J.L.). C.T.G. acknowledges the Torske Klubben Fellowship for support, D.P. acknowledges postdoctoral funding from the Ford Foundation, and M.J.L. acknowledges the NSF GRFP for support. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Rick Van Duyne, who was an inspiration for this project and was always excited about pushing the limits of Raman spectroscopy.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords
- high repetition rate stimulated Raman spectroscopy
- stimulated Raman microscopy
- subdiffraction Raman imaging
- super-resolution Raman microscopy