Polarization Sensitivity Research Articles

Imidazole ionic liquids-based ultra-broadband metamaterial absorbers from cross-architecture design

Room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) characterized by high dielectric loss factors and conductivity emerge as promising candidates for liquid-based metamaterial absorbers (LMMAs). In this work, the IL 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium dicyanamide was employed to construct an IL-based LMMA, leveraging a cross-architecture (C-A) design paradigm. Numerical analyses reveal that the C-A ILMMA achieves an absorption efficiency exceeding 90% within the frequency range of 7.5–57.8 GHz, translating to a relative absorption bandwidth of 153%. Moreover, the symmetrical configuration of the C-A ILMMA ensures its robust performance across a comprehensive range of polarization angles (0° to 90°), thereby underscoring its polarization insensitivity. Even with an increased incident angle of 60°, the C-A ILMMA sustains an absorption rate above 85% within the frequency intervals of 9.0–13.3 GHz and 24.7–60.0 GHz, highlighting its broad incident angle absorption capability. Owing to the superior thermal stability of the IL, the C-A ILMMA consistently maintains an absorption rate of over 90% across a temperature gradient from 20 °C to 100 °C. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the optimal absorption of the C-A ILMMA predominantly stems from dielectric polarization loss and the ionic current induced within the ILs. Subsequent experimental evaluations corroborate that the C-A ILMMA exhibits an absorptivity in excess of 90% over an ultra-broadband frequency spanning 10–40 GHz, aligning closely with numerical predictions. This IL-based C-A ILMMA not only augments the absorption bandwidth substantially but also enhances the adaptability of ILMMA in more rigorous environments, attributed to the commendable physicochemical properties of ILs.

Design and investigation on polarization insensitive dual band graphene based tunable absorber for THz applications

In this communication, a metal-free graphene-based Absorber is designed and examined in the THz regime. The graphene layer is coated over the SiO2 substrate, while the silver layer is used on the other side of the substrate. The designed absorber works in two frequency bands i.e. 2.2–2.91 THz (11–14 μm) and 4.85–5.83 THz (51–62 μm), having more than 90% absorption. Peak absorption is obtained 2.55 THz and 5.05 THz with 97.78% and 99.71% absorption. With the help of circular sectoring, the designed absorber shows wide polarization and wide incident angle (up to 60°) insensitivity for both TE and TM modes. Change in chemical potential of graphene provides the tunable characteristics in the designed absorber. All these outcomes confirm that the designed metal-free graphene-based metamaterial absorber works efficiently in THz regime and can be used in different applications such as, sensing and imaging.

Design of terahertz metamaterial absorbers with switchable absorption functions utilizing thermal and electrical dual-modulation strategies.

This work demonstrates a dual-functional tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber based on thermally controllable vanadium dioxide (VO2) and electrically tunable graphene. The switchable absorption functions could be obtained in the same metamaterial, which consists of alternating stacked cross-cut graphene disks (CGDs) and VO2 square rings (VSRs) separated by an ultra-thin dielectric film placed on a continuous gold mirror. The metallic state of VSRs is the dominant factor for the broadband absorption function, resulting in a broadband absorption of 4.746 THz. Based on this, the Fermi energy level of CGDs increases to 0.7 eV, which could broaden the absorption bandwidth to 5.398 THz. When the VSRs are in the insulating state, CGDs dominate the absorption, and the suggested device switches to the dual-band absorption function. These two absorption peaks appear to be larger than 97% and their frequencies could be dynamically controlled by the Fermi energy level of CGDs. In addition to the excellent absorption characteristics of dynamic switching of two different functions, polarization insensitivity and large-angle tolerance are also advantages of this work, which could provide new insights and guidance for the study of dynamically tunable metamaterial absorbers.

Metasurfaces based terahertz and mid- and long-wave infrared high-efficiency beam splitting devices

The multi-mode composite imaging technology integrates the advantages of different sensors, and thus has the advantages of high image quality, strong information acquisition capability, high target detection and recognition ability, strong adaptability to complex environments, and high stability and robustness of the system. Among them, the terahertz and infrared composite imaging technology combines the characteristics of terahertz band and infrared band, has the advantages of wide spectrum coverage, high resolution and strong penetration, and has broad application prospects. As one of the key components of the common aperture composite imaging system, the efficient optical splitters in terahertz and infrared band are still lacking at present, and their performance needs to be improved urgently. In this paper, a kind of dichroic metasurface with a simple structure and high performance is proposed by combining simulation experiment and theoretical explanation. When used as a spectroscopic device at an incident angle of 45°, it achieves a transmission coefficient greater than 97% near the center frequency of 1.1 THz, and a reflection coefficient greater than 98% in a wavelength range of 3–5 μm for medium-wave infrared and 8–14 μm for long-wave infrared. The design has good robustness to structural mismatches and machining errors such as structural misalignment, structural fillet, small magnification scaling, and polarization insensitivity. When the incident angle changes in a range of 0–60°, the device still maintains excellent spectral characteristics. In this paper, based on Babinet theorem and equivalent circuit model, the electromagnetic response characteristics of the metasurface are analyzed theoretically, and the analysis results are in agreement with the simulation results. The results of this study prove the feasibility of metasurface as a spectral device in the multiwavelength composite imaging system of terahertz and infrared bands, and provide support for future studying new composite imaging detection technology. In addition, the metasurface structure described in this paper has broad application prospects in many fields such as multi-band infrared stealth, laser and pump light separation in lasers, and provides a valuable reference for designing terahertz and infrared spectroscopy in various scenarios. In the following figure, for S wave and P wave at an incident angle of 45°, panel (a) shows the reflection coefficients varying with the wavelength of metasurface and panel (b) displays terahertz transmission coefficient changing with frequency.

Photocontrolled ultra-broadband metamaterial absorber around the terahertz regime.

In this paper, we innovatively stack multiple resonant units of photoconductive silicon to design an ultra-broadband metamaterial absorber. By manipulating the conductivity of the silicon with a pump beam, adjustments are made to the amplitude of the wide absorption spectrum spanning 6.6 THz, enabling functional switching from total reflection to near-perfect ultra-broadband absorption. By integrating vanadium dioxide as an intermediary layer, a dual-mode switchable absorber is realized, offering dual control functionalities. Temperature changes enable the absorber to switch between dual-band absorption and ultra-broadband absorption, while variations in pump beam intensity allow for further amplitude adjustments within the absorption spectrum. Impedance matching theory and near-field analysis provide the necessary physical foundation for understanding broadband absorption. Structural parameters, incident angle, and polarization angle of the incident electromagnetic waves are also studied to demonstrate the device's robustness. Our proposed absorbers not only greatly broaden the absorption bandwidth of silicon-based absorbers, but also offer versatility, polarization insensitivity, and robustness over a wide range of incidence angles. Moreover, our design ideas are useful for broadening the bandwidth and enhancing absorption, which enables wider applications in ultra-broadband terahertz absorption and promises extensive prospects.

Design and performance analysis of a mid-infrared broadband thermally tunable metamaterial absorption device based on the phase-change effect.

We propose a structurally simple, innovative, and multifunctional mid-infrared broadband thermally tunable metamaterial absorption device. The absorption device consists of a three-layer structure, from bottom to top: Ti substrate, SiO2 dielectric layer, and patterned VO2 layer. Through temperature control, the average absorption intensity of the absorption device can vary between 0.08 and 0.94. The absorption device's absorption mechanism is rooted in the thermal phase-change characteristics exhibited by the topologically patterned VO2. When the temperature is below 340 K, VO2 is in a dielectric state, resulting in near-total reflection performance in the mid-infrared range. When the temperature is above 340 K, VO2 undergoes a dielectric-to-metal transition, enabling the absorption device to achieve an average absorption rate of 94.12% in the ultra-wideband range of 6.26 μm-20.96 μm in the mid-infrared. This absorption range completely covers the atmospheric window wavelengths of 8 μm-14 μm, demonstrating high practical value. We explain the working mechanism of the absorption device from the perspective of the electromagnetic field. Subsequently, we study the variations in the absorption curve of the absorption device at different temperatures of VO2 and use the changes in the electric field at the same wavelength under different temperatures to explain the variations in absorption. Compared to previous work, our structure has only three layers in a single unit, making it easy to process and produce. Additionally, the absorption device's operating bandwidth and average absorption rate in the mid-infrared range have been significantly improved. Furthermore, the absorption device exhibits substantial incident angle tolerance and polarization insensitivity. We believe that this design has broad application potential in future optothermal conversion, infrared stealth, and thermal radiation.

An ultra‐wideband polarization‐insensitive optically transparent band‐notched absorber

AbstractIn this paper, a polarization‐independent optical transparent absorber with a notch band has been designed, fabricated, and experimented. The proposed structure is composed of three layers made of indium tin oxide (ITO) films with different surface resistances separated by polydimethylsiloxane substrates, which can realize ultra‐wideband absorption. The absorber presents two discrete absorption bands in the frequency range of 3.65–28.82 and 37.72–43.69 GHz, and reflective behavior from 31 to 36.57 GHz. Compared with existing notched band absorbers, this proposed structure has obvious advantages such as structure stability, polarization insensitivity, simple structure, and ultra‐wide absorption bandwidth up to 155%. The prototype was fabricated and a reasonable agreement was obtained between the simulated and measured results.

3D nanoplasmonic structure for ultrahigh enhanced SERS with less variability, polarization independence, and multimodal sensing applied to picric acid detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is recognized as a powerful analytical method. However, its efficacy is hindered by considerable signal variability stemming from factors like surface irregularities, temporal instability of the substrate, interference with substrate signal, polarization sensitivity and uneven molecular distribution. To address these challenges, a new strategy is employed to enhance the reproducibility of SERS signals. Initially, a periodic 3D metallic structure is utilized to achieve polarization-independent ultrahigh enhancement. Additionally, signal averaging over multiple points and normalization are implemented. The integration of these techniques enables multimodal sensing (SERS, SEF, SPR) using a plasmonic chip, demonstrating ultrahigh enhancement through the interaction of extended and localized plasmons alongside nanoantenna-type resonances. The chip comprises a periodic silver 2D grating adorned with Au nanocubes, behaving as a 3D metasurface to amplify plasmonic local fields, thus facilitating SERS. Its uniformity and polarization independence together with signal averaging and normalization mitigate signal variability. Fabricated via electron beam lithography, the chip's performance is evaluated for surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) and SERS using Rhodamine 6G as the target molecule. Results exhibit two orders of magnitude enhancement factor for SEF and 2.5 × 107 for SERS. For chemical sensing, the chip is tested for picric acid detection across a concentration range from nanomolar to millimolar, demonstrating a detection limit of approximately 3 nM.

Response strategies and biological applications of organic fluorescent thermometry: cell- and mitochondrion-level detection.

Temperature homeostasis is critical for cells to perform their physiological functions. Among the diverse methods for temperature detection, fluorescent temperature probes stand out as a proven and effective tool, especially for monitoring temperature in cells and suborganelles, with a specific emphasis on mitochondria. The utilization of these probes provides a new opportunity to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and interconnections underlying various physiological activities related to temperature homeostasis. However, the complexity and variability of cells and suborganelles necessitate fluorescent temperature probes with high resolution and sensitivity. To meet the demanding requirements for intracellular/subcellular temperature detection, several strategies have been developed, offering a range of options to address this challenge. This review examines four fundamental temperature-response strategies employed by small molecule and polymer probes, including intramolecular rotation, polarity sensitivity, Förster resonance energy transfer, and structural changes. The primary emphasis was placed on elucidating molecular design and biological applications specific to each type of probe. Furthermore, this review provides an insightful discussion on factors that may affect fluorescent thermometry, providing valuable perspectives for future development in the field. Finally, the review concludes by presenting cutting-edge response strategies and research insights for mitigating biases in temperature sensing.

Early high-resolution millimeter-wave maps from ToITEC

TolTEC is a polarization-sensitive camera at millimeter wavelengths with unprecedented sensitivity and 5-10 arcsecond resolution in three photometric bands. TolTEC achieved first light on the 50-meter Large Millimeter Telescope in July 2022, just prior to a planned summer telescope maintenance shutdown, and began commissioning observations when the telescope resumed observations in December 2022. The commissioning program consisted of observations of targeted nebulae, molecular clouds, polarized quasars, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. The goals of these observations include demonstrating the science capabilities of the camera and characterizing the performance and instrumental properties, including noise, beams, and polarization sensitivity in its three bands centered at 1.1, 1.4, and 2.0 mm |with angular resolutions of 5, 6, and 10 arcseconds, respectively. We present early results from the commissioning observations of the Crab Nebula. Upcoming observations will include selected proposals from the broader astronomy community in Mexico and the United States, as well as legacy surveys focused on mapping galactic molecular clouds, cold dust emission in local galaxies, polarized dust emission in filaments around star-forming regions, massive galaxy clusters, and distant obscured star-forming galaxies.

Multi-functional Metamaterial with Polarization and Wide Oblique Angle Insensitivity for X-band

Multi-functional Metamaterial with Polarization and Wide Oblique Angle Insensitivity for X-band

A Comprehensive Pan-cancer Analysis of the Biological Immunomodulatory Function and Clinical Value of CD27.

Background: CD27 is an immunological checkpoint gene, plays a critical function inInhibition or activation of cancer immunity. The CD27/CD27L axis is its pathway of action. Therefore, our goal was to examine the predictive role of CD27 in the clinical prognosis of 33 cancer types and its functions in cancer progression, as well as explore the link between pan-cancer CD27 gene expression and immune infiltration. Methods: By comprehensive use of datasets and methods from TCGA, cBioPortal, GTEx, HPA, KM-plotter, Spearman, CellMinerTM, R packages and RT-qPCR, we delved deeper into the potential impact of the CD27 on cancer development. These include expression differences, immune infiltration, matrix infiltration, gene mutations, DNA methylation, signaling pathways, TMB, MSI, and prognosis. Also, we explored CD27 interactions with different drugs. Results: The results showed that, mutated CD27 was highly expressed in most cancers. The CD27 showed strong diagnostic value in 4 cancers and marked a positive prognosis for CESC, intracervical adenocarcinoma, HNSC, and endometrial cancer, and a poor prognosis for UVM. In addition, CD27 affects multiple immune and inflammatory signaling pathways and is positively correlated with immune cell infiltration, T cell differentiation, macrophage M1 polarization, stromal infiltration, and drug sensitivity. DNA methylation is involved in CD27 expression in cancer. Conclusion: CD27, which is mutated in cancers and appears widely highly expressed and altered tumor immune invasion and stromal invasion by affecting multiple immune-related and inflammation signaling pathways, plays a significant role in CESC, HNSC, UCEC and UVM, and may be used as a therapeutic target for related cancers.

Recent progress of gas sensors based on perovskites.

Gas sensors convert gas-related information into usable data by monitoring changes in conductivity and chemical reactions resulting from the adsorption of gas molecules. Recently, perovskites have emerged as promising candidate materials for gas sensors, owing to their polar reactivity, chemical responsiveness, and sensitivity. These characteristics enable the detection of the presence and concentration of various gases. This article provides a concise review of recent advancements in perovskite-based gas sensors. First, the chemical composition, structure, and preparation methods of perovskites, as well as the effects of their structure on gas sensing performance, are examined. The key performance parameters of the sensor and the sensing mechanism of the perovskite-based gas sensor are discussed. Then the development of gas sensors based on different structural types of perovskites, including single-component perovskites, mixed-component perovskites, and metal-oxide perovskites, is discussed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for gas sensors based on perovskites are summarized and prospected.

Sensitivity of Polarization to Grain Shape. I. Convex Shapes

Aligned interstellar grains produce polarized extinction (observed at wavelengths from the far-ultraviolet to the mid-infrared) and polarized thermal emission (observed at far-infrared and submm wavelengths). The grains must be quite nonspherical, but the actual shapes are unknown. The relative efficacy for aligned grains to produce polarization at optical versus infrared wavelengths depends on particle shape. The discrete dipole approximation is used to calculate polarization cross sections for 20 different convex shapes, for wavelengths from 0.1 to 100 μm, and grain sizes a eff from 0.05 to 0.3 μm. Spheroids, cylinders, square prisms, and triaxial ellipsoids are considered. Minimum aspect ratios required by the observed starlight polarization are determined. Some shapes can also be ruled out because they provide too little or too much polarization at far-infrared and submm wavelengths. The ratio of 10 μm polarization to integrated optical polarization is almost independent of grain shape, varying by only ±8% among the viable convex shapes; thus, at least for convex grains, uncertainties in grain shape cannot account for the discrepancy between predicted and observed 10 μm polarization toward Cyg OB2-12.

Thermal controlled multi-functional metasurface for freely switching of absorption, reflection, and transmission.

Metasurfaces have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their substantial electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation capabilities. However, most previously documented metasurfaces have been limited to controlling just a single EM wave mode, encompassing transmission, reflection, or absorption. Such limitations have impeded the broader applications of metasurfaces. To address this issue, this study introduces a multi-functional metasurface (MFM) in the utilization of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), vanadium dioxide (VO2), and graphene. This novel design enables real-time control over the transmission, absorption, and reflection of EM waves as necessitated through thermal control, allowing for seamless transitions from complete transmission to complete reflection. Furthermore, this configuration achieves extensive broadband perfect absorption, spanning up to 1.83 THz. The optical response mechanism of this MFM across distinct operational modes is meticulously analyzed through electric field distribution. Remarkably, this proposed MFM exhibits polarization insensitivity and maintains good optical performance even under conditions of wide-angle incidence. With the ability to switch to different operating modes according to the needs of different environments, the proposed MFM has the potential to be used in a wide range of scenarios, including radar stealth, wireless communications, and military search.

Design and theoretical analysis of a tunable bifunctional metasurface absorber based on vanadium dioxide and photoconductive silicon.

A tunable bifunctional metasurface absorber based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) and photoconductive silicon (PSi) is proposed in a terahertz (THz) band. When the conductivities of VO2 (σvo2) and PSi (σPSi) are 10 S m-1 and 1 × 105 S m-1, the designed absorber has a function of dual-broadband absorption. The absorptivity rate of over 90% is in the dual-broadband of 2.47-3.71 THz and 8.90-10.62 THz, corresponding to relative bandwidths (RBs) of 40.13% and 17.62%, respectively. When σvo2 and σPSi are equal to 2 × 105 S m-1 and 1 × 105 S m-1, the proposed design has a function of single-broadband absorption. More than 90% absorptivity is achieved in 4.69-7.72 THz (RB = 48.83%). Furthermore, the absorptivity under the dual- and single-broadbands is manipulated by changing σPSi. An impedance matching theory, equivalent transmission-line (TL) model and electric field distribution are used to reveal the tunable bifunctional absorption mechanism. The influences of structure parameters, polarization mode and incidence angle on the dual- and single-broadband absorption are investigated. The dual- and single-broadband absorption performances are maintained within the incident angles of 55° and 60°, which also possess polarization insensitivity. The proposed absorber has a potential application value in multifunctional devices such as modulation, sensing and electromagnetic (EM) stealth.

A dual functional tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber based on vanadium dioxide.

A dual-functional switchable metamaterial absorber (MMA) based on vanadium dioxide (VO2), which achieves flexible switching between broadband absorption and four-band absorption by adjusting the VO2 conductivity, was proposed. The device has a broadband absorption function when VO2 is in the metal phase, and the conductivity is 3 × 105 S m-1. Numerical simulation shows that the absorption rate of the device reaches over 90% in the frequency range of 3.36-6.98 THz. The absorber exhibits polarization insensitivity and wide-angle absorption to transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves. When VO2 is in the insulator phase, and the conductivity is 3 × 102 S m-1, the device switches to a narrowband absorber with a band-efficient absorption function. Numerical simulation shows that the device has an absorption rate of 99.7% at 2.39 THz, 98.3% at 2.83 THz, 95.6% at 3.84 THz, and 96.1% at 4.61 THz. It can be used as a sensor with high sensitivity. In addition, to verify the absorption mechanism of the absorber, we introduced impedance matching theory to analyze the device. Finally, the influence of structural parameters on the performance of resonators was investigated. Through the joint action of multi-layer structures, the proposed MMA concentrates broadband and narrowband absorption functions on one device, achieving flexible switching between tasks without changing the structure. The switchable metamaterial absorber designed through simple tuning methods has broad application prospects in stealth technology and thermal emitters. It provides a wide range of ideas for the design of terahertz functional devices.

Three peak metamaterial broadband absorbing materials based on ZnSe-Cr-InAs stacked disk arrays.

Metamaterial absorbers show great potential in many scientific and technological applications by virtue of their sub-wavelength and easy-to-adjust structure, with bandwidth as an important standard to measure the performance of the absorbers. In this study, our team designed a new broadband absorber, which consists of an indium arsenide (InAs) disk at the top, a zinc selenide (ZnSe)-chromium (Cr) stacked disk in the middle and a metal film at the bottom. Simulation results show that the absorber has remarkable absorptivity properties in the mid-long infrared band. In a wavelength range of 5.71-16.01 μm, the average absorptivity is higher than 90%. In the band of 5.86-15.49 μm, the absorptivity is higher than 95%. By simulating the electromagnetic field diagram at each resonant frequency, the reason for high broadband absorptivity is obtained. We also constructed Poynting vector diagrams to further elucidate this phenomenon. Next, we analyzed the influence of different materials and structural parameters on absorptivity properties and tested spectral response at different polarization angles and oblique incidence of the light source in the TM and TE modes. When the source is normally incident, the absorber shows polarization insensitivity. When the angle is 40°, absorptivity is still high, indicating that the absorber also possesses angle insensitivity. The broadband absorber proposed by us has good prospects in infrared detection and thermal radiators.

Spatial orientation of CdS nanowiresbased on second harmonic generation spectroscopy and microscopic Imaging

The second harmonic generation (SHG), as a nonlinear optical effect, has a wide range of applications in obtaining information such as material composition, structure, and properties due to its good polarization sensitivity. Although SHG spectroscopy or SHG microscopy has been used to explore the precise positioning or tracking of nanowires, there are few reports on the combination of SHG spectroscopy and SHG microscopy to study the structure of nanomaterials and the spatial orientation of crystal axes. In this work, we investigate the spatial orientation and crystal axis orientation of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanowires by combining SHG spectroscopy and microscopic imaging. Firstly, we experimentally and theoretically study the spectral intensity of the SHG of CdS nanowires with the polarization direction of the incident light based on the all-optical analysis method proposed by the predecessors. We also analyze the influence of the azimuth angle of the crystal axis γ, ω and φ on the pattern of the SHG of CdS nanowires in detail. Secondly, through the mutual verification of theoretical calculations and experimental measurement results, we successfully determine the three axial orientations of a single CdS nanowire. Finally, we also investigate the spatial orientation of a single CdS nanowire by using the polarization-dependent SHG microscopic imaging method. It is shown that different parts of the CdS nanowire have different SHG responses when the polarization is changed. These results provide a new idea and an important reference for studying the application of SHG spectroscopy and microscopic imaging in the research of high-precision spatial positioning of nanomaterials. This study provides important enlightenment for realizing the potential applications of nanomaterials in biomedicine.

Single-molecule detection of a terrylenediimide-based near-infrared emitter.

Environment-sensitive fluorescent agents with near-infrared (NIR) emission are in great demand owing to their applications in biomedical and quantum technologies. We report a novel NIR absorbing (λ Abs max = 734 nm) and emitting (λ Fl max = 814 nm) terrylenediimide (TDI) based donor-acceptor chromophore (TDI-TPA4), exhibiting polarity-sensitive single-photon emission. By virtue of the charge transfer (CT) character, ensemble level measurements revealed solvatochromism and NIR emission (ϕ Fl = 26.2%), overcoming the energy gap law. The CT nature of the excited states is further validated by state-of-the-art fragment-based excited state theoretical analysis. To mimic the polarity conditions at the single-molecule level, TDI-TPA4 was immobilized in polystyrene (PS; low polar) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA; high polar) matrices, which enables tuning of the energy levels of the locally excited state and charge-separated (CS) state. Minimal blinking and prolonged survival time of the TDI-TPA4 molecule in the PS matrix, in contrast to the PVA matrix, possibly confirms the implication of the energy gap law and polarity sensitivity of TDI-TPA4. The existence of the CT state in nonpolar and CS state in polar solvents was confirmed by transient absorption measurements in the femtosecond regime. The current work sheds light on the design principle for NIR single-photon emitting organic chromophores for deep tissue imaging and probing the nanoscale heterogeneity.