Coherent Stokes Raman scattering microscopy (CSRS)

TL;DR

This paper introduces the first laser scanning CSRS microscopy, demonstrating background suppression techniques and backward photon detection, enabling advanced imaging applications in biology and materials science.

Contribution

It presents the first implementation of laser scanning CSRS microscopy with background suppression and backward photon detection capabilities.

Findings

Achieved near background-free CSRS imaging of biological and material samples.

Demonstrated that CSRS can send up to 100% of photons backward under tight focusing.

Potential for advanced imaging techniques like epi-detected multi-focus imaging.

Abstract

We report the first implementation of laser scanning Coherent Stokes Raman scattering (CSRS - pronounced "sCiSsoRS") microscopy. To overcome the major challenge in CSRS imaging, we show how to suppress the fluorescence background by narrow bandpass filter and a lock-in based demodulation. Near background free CSRS imaging of polymer beads, human skin, onion cells, avocado flesh and the wing disc of a drosphila larva are presented. Finally, we explain and demonstrate numerically that CSRS solves a major obstacle of other coherent Raman techniques by sending a significant part (up to 100%) of the CSRS photons into the backward direction under tight focusing conditions. We believe that this discovery will pave the way for numerous technological advances, e.g. in epi-detected coherent Raman multi-focus imaging, real-time laser scanning based spectroscopy or efficient endoscopy.