Signal generation and Raman-resonant imaging by non-degenerate four-wave mixing under tight focusing conditions

J Biophotonics. 2010 Mar;3(3):169-75. doi: 10.1002/jbio.200900068.

Abstract

The authors demonstrate Raman-resonant imaging based on the simultaneous generation of several nonlinear frequency mixing processes resulting from a 3-color coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) experiment. The interaction of three coincident short-pulsed laser beams simultaneously generates both 2-color (degenerate) CARS and 3-color (non-degenerate) CARS signals, which are collected and characterized spectroscopically - allowing for resonant, doubly-resonant, and non-resonant contrast mechanisms. Images obtained from both 2-color and 3-color CARS signals are compared and found to provide complementary information. The 3-color CARS microscopy scheme provides a versatile multiplexed modality for biological imaging, which may extend the capabilities of label-free non-linear microscopy, e.g. by probing multiple Raman resonances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology
  • Color
  • Deuterium / chemistry
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Optics and Photonics / instrumentation
  • Optics and Photonics / methods*
  • Photons
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / instrumentation
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*
  • Vibration

Substances

  • Polystyrenes
  • Deuterium
  • Glucose