Next-Generation Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) Microscopy Using Squeezed Light
Authors:
Bryon Donohoe1* ([email protected], PI), Yining Zeng1, Christopher Anderton2, Zhenhuan Yi3,
Girish Agarwal3, Alexei Sokilov3, Davinia Salvachua1, Eric Knoshaug1, Jonathan Jacobs4, Marlan Scully3
Institutions:
1National Renewable Energy Laboratory; 2Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; 3Texas A&M University; 4The Ohio State University
Abstract
It is challenging to visualize the dynamic metabolic processes of living plants, algae, and fungi as they are exposed to environmental stressors. This is especially accurate for tracking biomolecules that are difficult to label with fluorescent probes, such as lipids and carbohydrates. A prototype of an advanced stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscope for conducting innovative studies in this field is currently being designed and assembled.
This microscope utilizes squeezed light and structured illumination to enable prolonged examination and direct chemical analysis of biological processes without compromising the system’s structural integrity or dynamics. The term squeezed refers to the quantum uncertainty of the electromagnetic field strength of the light. Light in a squeezed state has an uncertainty of the field strength that is smaller than that of a coherent state. The squeezed light source will increase the signal-to-noise ratio of SRS by up to ten times. Consequently, the range of chemical imaging studies that are possible will increase, and the likelihood of photodamage will decrease to allow for the examination of extensive regions of interest and prolonged image capture.