Abstract
We present a wide-field imaging implementation of Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (wide-field detected FT-CARS) microscopy capable of acquiring high-contrast label-free but chemically specific images over the full vibrational ‘fingerprint’ region, suitable for a large field of view. Rapid resonant mechanical scanning of the illumination beam coupled with highly sensitive, camera-based detection of the CARS signal allows for fast and direct hyperspectral wide-field image acquisition, while minimizing sample damage. Intrinsic to FT-CARS microscopy, the ability to control the range of time-delays between pump and probe pulses allows for fine tuning of spectral resolution, bandwidth and imaging speed while maintaining full duty cycle. We outline the basic principles of wide-field detected FT-CARS microscopy and demonstrate how it can be used as a sensitive optical probe for chemically specific Raman imaging.
Highlights
We present a wide-field imaging implementation of Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy capable of acquiring high-contrast label-free but chemically specific images over the full vibrational ‘fingerprint’ region, suitable for a large field of view
The implementation of our wide-field detected Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (FT-CARS) microscope is illustrated in Fig. 2
To explore the capabilities of wide-field detected FT-CARS microscopy beyond solvent samples, we investigated a dry mixture of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) beads attached to a glass surface
Summary
We present a wide-field imaging implementation of Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (wide-field detected FT-CARS) microscopy capable of acquiring high-contrast label-free but chemically specific images over the full vibrational ‘fingerprint’ region, suitable for a large field of view. We outline the basic principles of widefield detected FT-CARS microscopy and demonstrate how it can be used as a sensitive optical probe for chemically specific Raman imaging. In contrast to b-CARS, FSRM uses narrowband pump pulses in combination with broadband probe pulses to generate Raman gain or loss on top of the recorded probe spectrum resulting in extremely fast acquisition times on par with b-CARS, as recently demonstrated in polymer blends[21]. Background-and baseline free Raman spectra can be achieved using a time-domain approach based purely on femtosecond pulses (Fig. 1b), termed Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (FT-CARS). In FT-CARS, a broadband pump pulse generates a multitude of vibrational coherences via an www.nature.com/scientificreports/
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
