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Imaging Systems, Microscopy, and Displays|102 Article(s)
Scattering correction through Fourier-domain intensity coupling in two-photon microscopy (2P-FOCUS)
Daniel Zepeda, Yucheng Li, and Yi Xue
Light penetration depth in biological tissue is limited by tissue scattering. Correcting scattering becomes particularly challenging in scenarios with limited photon availability and when access to the transmission side of the scattering tissue is not possible. Here, we introduce, to our knowledge, a new two-photon microscopy system with Fourier-domain intensity coupling for scattering correction (2P-FOCUS). 2P-FOCUS corrects scattering by intensity modulation in the Fourier domain, leveraging the nonlinearity of multiple-beam interference and two-photon excitation, eliminating the need for a guide star, iterative optimization, or measuring transmission or reflection matrices. 2P-FOCUS uses random patterns to probe scattering properties, combined with a single-shot algorithm to rapidly generate the correction mask. 2P-FOCUS can also correct scattering beyond the limitation of the memory effect by automatically customizing correction masks for each subregion in a large field-of-view. We provide several proof-of-principle demonstrations here, including focusing and imaging through a bone sample, and imaging neurons and cerebral blood vessels in the mouse brain ex vivo. 2P-FOCUS significantly enhances two-photon fluorescence signals by several tens of folds compared to cases without scattering correction at the same excitation power. 2P-FOCUS can also correct tissue scattering over a 230 μm×230 μm×510 μm volume, which is beyond the memory effect range. 2P-FOCUS is able to measure, calculate, and correct scattering within a few seconds, effectively delivering more light deep into the scattering tissue. 2P-FOCUS could be broadly adopted for deep tissue imaging owing to its powerful combination of effectiveness, speed, and cost. Light penetration depth in biological tissue is limited by tissue scattering. Correcting scattering becomes particularly challenging in scenarios with limited photon availability and when access to the transmission side of the scattering tissue is not possible. Here, we introduce, to our knowledge, a new two-photon microscopy system with Fourier-domain intensity coupling for scattering correction (2P-FOCUS). 2P-FOCUS corrects scattering by intensity modulation in the Fourier domain, leveraging the nonlinearity of multiple-beam interference and two-photon excitation, eliminating the need for a guide star, iterative optimization, or measuring transmission or reflection matrices. 2P-FOCUS uses random patterns to probe scattering properties, combined with a single-shot algorithm to rapidly generate the correction mask. 2P-FOCUS can also correct scattering beyond the limitation of the memory effect by automatically customizing correction masks for each subregion in a large field-of-view. We provide several proof-of-principle demonstrations here, including focusing and imaging through a bone sample, and imaging neurons and cerebral blood vessels in the mouse brain ex vivo. 2P-FOCUS significantly enhances two-photon fluorescence signals by several tens of folds compared to cases without scattering correction at the same excitation power. 2P-FOCUS can also correct tissue scattering over a 230 μm×230 μm×510 μm volume, which is beyond the memory effect range. 2P-FOCUS is able to measure, calculate, and correct scattering within a few seconds, effectively delivering more light deep into the scattering tissue. 2P-FOCUS could be broadly adopted for deep tissue imaging owing to its powerful combination of effectiveness, speed, and cost.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Mar. 11, 2025
- Vol. 13, Issue 4, 845 (2025)
Spatial–spectral sparse deep learning combined with a freeform lens enables extreme depth-of-field hyperspectral imaging
Yitong Pan, Zhenqi Niu, Songlin Wan, Xiaolin Li, Zhen Cao, Yuying Lu, Jianda Shao, and Chaoyang Wei
Traditional hyperspectral imaging (HI) systems are constrained by a limited depth of field (DoF), necessitating refocusing for any out-of-focus objects. This requirement not only slows down the imaging speed but also complicates the system architecture. It is challenging to trade off among speed, resolution, and DoF within an ultra-simple system. While some studies have reported advancements in extending DoF, the improvements remain insufficient. To address this challenge, we propose a novel, to our knowledge, differentiable framework that integrates an extended DoF (E-DoF) wave propagation model and an achromatic hyperspectral reconstructor powered by deep learning. Through rigorous experimental validation, we have demonstrated that the compact HI system is capable of snapshot capturing of high-fidelity images with an exceptional DoF reaching approximately 5 m, marking a significant improvement of over three orders of magnitude. Additionally, the system achieves over 90% spectral accuracy without aberration, nearly doubling the accuracy performance of existing methods. An asymmetric freeform surface design is introduced for diffractive optical elements, enabling dual functionality with design freedom and E-DoF. The sparse prior conditions for spatial texture and spectral features of hyperspectral cubic data are integrated into the reconstruction network, effectively mitigating texture blurring and chromatic aberration. It foresees that the optimal strategy for achromatic E-DoF can be adopted into other optical systems such as polarization imaging and depth measurement. Traditional hyperspectral imaging (HI) systems are constrained by a limited depth of field (DoF), necessitating refocusing for any out-of-focus objects. This requirement not only slows down the imaging speed but also complicates the system architecture. It is challenging to trade off among speed, resolution, and DoF within an ultra-simple system. While some studies have reported advancements in extending DoF, the improvements remain insufficient. To address this challenge, we propose a novel, to our knowledge, differentiable framework that integrates an extended DoF (E-DoF) wave propagation model and an achromatic hyperspectral reconstructor powered by deep learning. Through rigorous experimental validation, we have demonstrated that the compact HI system is capable of snapshot capturing of high-fidelity images with an exceptional DoF reaching approximately 5 m, marking a significant improvement of over three orders of magnitude. Additionally, the system achieves over 90% spectral accuracy without aberration, nearly doubling the accuracy performance of existing methods. An asymmetric freeform surface design is introduced for diffractive optical elements, enabling dual functionality with design freedom and E-DoF. The sparse prior conditions for spatial texture and spectral features of hyperspectral cubic data are integrated into the reconstruction network, effectively mitigating texture blurring and chromatic aberration. It foresees that the optimal strategy for achromatic E-DoF can be adopted into other optical systems such as polarization imaging and depth measurement.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Mar. 11, 2025
- Vol. 13, Issue 4, 827 (2025)
High-speed image reconstruction for nonlinear structured illumination microscopy
Jingxiang Zhang, Tianyu Zhao, Xiangda Fu, Manming Shu, Jiajing Yan, Mengrui Wang, Yansheng Liang, Shaowei Wang, and Ming Lei
By exploiting the nonlinear responses of fluorescent probes, the spatial resolution of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) can be further increased. However, the traditional reconstruction method of nonlinear structured illumination microscopy (NL-SIM) is very slow due to its complex process, which poses a significant challenge to display super resolution results in real-time. Here, we describe an efficient and robust SIM algorithm that enables rapid and accurate full-process SIM reconstruction. First, we present a fast illumination parameters estimation algorithm based on discrete Fourier transforms that result in a more simplified workflow than that of classical methods. Second, an accelerated NL-SIM reconstruction algorithm is developed by extending a high-speed reconstruction framework, joint space and frequency reconstruction (JSFR), to the NL-SIM. In particular, we provide the open-source MATLAB toolbox of our JSFR-NL-SIM algorithm. The entire image reconstruction process is completed in the milliseconds range, representing a significant time saving for the user. By exploiting the nonlinear responses of fluorescent probes, the spatial resolution of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) can be further increased. However, the traditional reconstruction method of nonlinear structured illumination microscopy (NL-SIM) is very slow due to its complex process, which poses a significant challenge to display super resolution results in real-time. Here, we describe an efficient and robust SIM algorithm that enables rapid and accurate full-process SIM reconstruction. First, we present a fast illumination parameters estimation algorithm based on discrete Fourier transforms that result in a more simplified workflow than that of classical methods. Second, an accelerated NL-SIM reconstruction algorithm is developed by extending a high-speed reconstruction framework, joint space and frequency reconstruction (JSFR), to the NL-SIM. In particular, we provide the open-source MATLAB toolbox of our JSFR-NL-SIM algorithm. The entire image reconstruction process is completed in the milliseconds range, representing a significant time saving for the user.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Feb. 28, 2025
- Vol. 13, Issue 3, 743 (2025)
Spatiotemporal shearing-based ultrafast framing photography for high performance transient imaging
Yu He, Yunhua Yao, Jiali Yao, Zhengqi Huang, Mengdi Guo, Bozhang Cheng, Hongmei Ma, Dalong Qi, Yuecheng Shen, Lianzhong Deng, Zhiyong Wang, Jian Wu, Zhenrong Sun, and Shian Zhang
Framing photography provides a high temporal resolution and minimizes crosstalk between adjacent frames, making it an indispensable tool for recording ultrafast phenomena. To date, various ultrafast framing photography techniques have been developed. However, simultaneously achieving large sequence depth, high image quality, ultrashort exposure time, and flexible frame interval remains a significant challenge. Herein, we present a spatiotemporal shearing-based ultrafast framing photography, termed STS-UFP, designed to address this challenge. STS-UFP employs an adjustable ultrashort laser pulse train with a spectrum shuttle to illuminate the dynamic scenes for extracting the transient information and records discrete frames using a streak camera via spatiotemporal shearing. Based on its unique design, STS-UFP achieves high-quality ultrafast imaging with a sequence depth of up to 16 frames and frame intervals ranging from hundreds of picoseconds to nanoseconds, while maintaining an extremely short (picosecond) exposure time. The exceptional performance of STS-UFP is demonstrated through experimental observations of femtosecond laser-induced plasma and shockwave in water, femtosecond laser ablation in biological tissue, and femtosecond laser-induced shockwave on a silicon surface. Given its remarkable imaging capabilities, STS-UFP serves as a powerful tool for precisely observing ultrafast dynamics and holds significant potential for advancing studies of ultrafast phenomena. Framing photography provides a high temporal resolution and minimizes crosstalk between adjacent frames, making it an indispensable tool for recording ultrafast phenomena. To date, various ultrafast framing photography techniques have been developed. However, simultaneously achieving large sequence depth, high image quality, ultrashort exposure time, and flexible frame interval remains a significant challenge. Herein, we present a spatiotemporal shearing-based ultrafast framing photography, termed STS-UFP, designed to address this challenge. STS-UFP employs an adjustable ultrashort laser pulse train with a spectrum shuttle to illuminate the dynamic scenes for extracting the transient information and records discrete frames using a streak camera via spatiotemporal shearing. Based on its unique design, STS-UFP achieves high-quality ultrafast imaging with a sequence depth of up to 16 frames and frame intervals ranging from hundreds of picoseconds to nanoseconds, while maintaining an extremely short (picosecond) exposure time. The exceptional performance of STS-UFP is demonstrated through experimental observations of femtosecond laser-induced plasma and shockwave in water, femtosecond laser ablation in biological tissue, and femtosecond laser-induced shockwave on a silicon surface. Given its remarkable imaging capabilities, STS-UFP serves as a powerful tool for precisely observing ultrafast dynamics and holds significant potential for advancing studies of ultrafast phenomena.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Feb. 24, 2025
- Vol. 13, Issue 3, 642 (2025)
Lensless efficient snapshot hyperspectral imaging using dynamic phase modulation|Editors' Pick
Chong Zhang, Xianglei Liu, Lizhi Wang, Shining Ma, Yuanjin Zheng, Yue Liu, Hua Huang, Yongtian Wang, and Weitao Song
Snapshot hyperspectral imaging based on a diffractive optical element (DOE) is increasingly featured in recent progress in deep optics. Despite remarkable advances in spatial and spectral resolutions, the limitations of current photolithography technology have prevented the fabricated DOE from being designed at ideal heights and with high diffraction efficiency, diminishing the effectiveness of coded imaging and reconstruction accuracy in some bands. Here, we propose, to our knowledge, a new lensless efficient snapshot hyperspectral imaging (LESHI) system that utilizes a liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCoS-SLM) to replace the traditionally fabricated DOE, resulting in high modulation levels and reconstruction accuracy. Beyond the single-lens imaging model, the system can leverage the switch ability of LCoS-SLM to implement distributed diffractive optics (DDO) imaging and enhance diffraction efficiency across the full visible spectrum. Using the proposed method, we develop a proof-of-concept prototype with an image resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, an effective spatial resolution of 41.74 μm, and a spectral resolution of 10 nm, while improving the average diffraction efficiency from 0.75 to 0.91 over the visible wavelength range (400–700 nm). Additionally, LESHI allows the focal length to be adjusted from 50 mm to 100 mm without the need for additional optical components, providing a cost-effective and time-saving solution for real-time on-site debugging. LESHI is the first imaging modality, to the best of our knowledge, to use dynamic diffractive optics and snapshot hyperspectral imaging, offering a completely new approach to computational spectral imaging and deep optics. Snapshot hyperspectral imaging based on a diffractive optical element (DOE) is increasingly featured in recent progress in deep optics. Despite remarkable advances in spatial and spectral resolutions, the limitations of current photolithography technology have prevented the fabricated DOE from being designed at ideal heights and with high diffraction efficiency, diminishing the effectiveness of coded imaging and reconstruction accuracy in some bands. Here, we propose, to our knowledge, a new lensless efficient snapshot hyperspectral imaging (LESHI) system that utilizes a liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCoS-SLM) to replace the traditionally fabricated DOE, resulting in high modulation levels and reconstruction accuracy. Beyond the single-lens imaging model, the system can leverage the switch ability of LCoS-SLM to implement distributed diffractive optics (DDO) imaging and enhance diffraction efficiency across the full visible spectrum. Using the proposed method, we develop a proof-of-concept prototype with an image resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, an effective spatial resolution of 41.74 μm, and a spectral resolution of 10 nm, while improving the average diffraction efficiency from 0.75 to 0.91 over the visible wavelength range (400–700 nm). Additionally, LESHI allows the focal length to be adjusted from 50 mm to 100 mm without the need for additional optical components, providing a cost-effective and time-saving solution for real-time on-site debugging. LESHI is the first imaging modality, to the best of our knowledge, to use dynamic diffractive optics and snapshot hyperspectral imaging, offering a completely new approach to computational spectral imaging and deep optics.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Jan. 31, 2025
- Vol. 13, Issue 2, 511 (2025)
Fourier synthetic-aperture-based time-resolved terahertz imaging
Vivek Kumar, Pitambar Mukherjee, Lorenzo Valzania, Amaury Badon, Patrick Mounaix, and Sylvain Gigan
Terahertz (THz) microscopy has attracted attention owing to distinctive characteristics of the THz frequency region, particularly non-ionizing photon energy, spectral fingerprint, and transparency to most nonpolar materials. Nevertheless, the well-known Rayleigh diffraction limit imposed on THz waves commonly constrains the resultant imaging resolution to values beyond the millimeter scale, consequently limiting the applicability in numerous emerging applications for chemical sensing and complex media imaging. In this theoretical and numerical work, we address this challenge by introducing, to our knowledge, a new imaging approach based on acquiring high-spatial frequencies by adapting the Fourier synthetic aperture approach to the THz spectral range, thus surpassing the diffraction-limited resolution. Our methodology combines multi-angle THz pulsed illumination with time-resolved field measurements, as enabled by the state-of-the-art time-domain spectroscopy technique. We demonstrate the potential of the approach for hyperspectral THz imaging of semi-transparent samples and show that the technique can reconstruct spatial and temporal features of complex inhomogeneous samples with subwavelength resolution. Terahertz (THz) microscopy has attracted attention owing to distinctive characteristics of the THz frequency region, particularly non-ionizing photon energy, spectral fingerprint, and transparency to most nonpolar materials. Nevertheless, the well-known Rayleigh diffraction limit imposed on THz waves commonly constrains the resultant imaging resolution to values beyond the millimeter scale, consequently limiting the applicability in numerous emerging applications for chemical sensing and complex media imaging. In this theoretical and numerical work, we address this challenge by introducing, to our knowledge, a new imaging approach based on acquiring high-spatial frequencies by adapting the Fourier synthetic aperture approach to the THz spectral range, thus surpassing the diffraction-limited resolution. Our methodology combines multi-angle THz pulsed illumination with time-resolved field measurements, as enabled by the state-of-the-art time-domain spectroscopy technique. We demonstrate the potential of the approach for hyperspectral THz imaging of semi-transparent samples and show that the technique can reconstruct spatial and temporal features of complex inhomogeneous samples with subwavelength resolution.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Jan. 30, 2025
- Vol. 13, Issue 2, 407 (2025)
Snapshot coherent diffraction imaging across ultra-broadband spectra
Boyang Li, Zehua Xiao, Hao Yuan, Pei Huang, Huabao Cao, Hushan Wang, Wei Zhao, and Yuxi Fu
Ultrafast imaging simultaneously pursuing high temporal and spatial resolution is a key technique to study the dynamics in the microscopic world. However, the broadband spectra of ultra-short pulses bring a major challenge to traditional coherent diffraction imaging (CDI), as they result in an indistinct diffraction pattern, thereby complicating image reconstruction. To address this, we introduce, to our knowledge, a new ultra-broadband coherent imaging method, and empirically demonstrate its efficacy in facilitating high-resolution and rapid image reconstruction of achromatic objects. The existing full bandwidth limitation for snapshot CDI is enhanced to ∼60% experimentally, restricted solely by our laser bandwidth. Simulations indicate the applicability of our method for CDI operations with a bandwidth as high as ∼140%, potentially supporting ultrafast imaging with temporal resolution into ∼50-attosecond scale. Even deployed with a comb-like harmonic spectrum encompassing multiple octaves, our method remains effective. Furthermore, we establish the capability of our approach in reconstructing a super-broadband spectrum for CDI applications with high fidelity. Given these advancements, we anticipate that our method will contribute significantly to attosecond imaging, thereby advancing cutting-edge applications in material science, quantum physics, and biological research. Ultrafast imaging simultaneously pursuing high temporal and spatial resolution is a key technique to study the dynamics in the microscopic world. However, the broadband spectra of ultra-short pulses bring a major challenge to traditional coherent diffraction imaging (CDI), as they result in an indistinct diffraction pattern, thereby complicating image reconstruction. To address this, we introduce, to our knowledge, a new ultra-broadband coherent imaging method, and empirically demonstrate its efficacy in facilitating high-resolution and rapid image reconstruction of achromatic objects. The existing full bandwidth limitation for snapshot CDI is enhanced to ∼60% experimentally, restricted solely by our laser bandwidth. Simulations indicate the applicability of our method for CDI operations with a bandwidth as high as ∼140%, potentially supporting ultrafast imaging with temporal resolution into ∼50-attosecond scale. Even deployed with a comb-like harmonic spectrum encompassing multiple octaves, our method remains effective. Furthermore, we establish the capability of our approach in reconstructing a super-broadband spectrum for CDI applications with high fidelity. Given these advancements, we anticipate that our method will contribute significantly to attosecond imaging, thereby advancing cutting-edge applications in material science, quantum physics, and biological research.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Aug. 30, 2024
- Vol. 12, Issue 9, 2068 (2024)
Towards an ultrafast 3D imaging scanning LiDAR system: a review
Zhi Li, Yaqi Han, Lican Wu, Zihan Zang, Maolin Dai, Sze Yun Set, Shinji Yamashita, Qian Li, and H. Y. Fu
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR), as a hot imaging technology in both industry and academia, has undergone rapid innovation and evolution. The current mainstream direction is towards system miniaturization and integration. There are many metrics that can be used to evaluate the performance of a LiDAR system, such as lateral resolution, ranging accuracy, stability, size, and price. Until recently, with the continuous enrichment of LiDAR application scenarios, the pursuit of imaging speed has attracted tremendous research interest. Particularly, for autonomous vehicles running on motorways or industrial automation applications, the imaging speed of LiDAR systems is a critical bottleneck. In this review, we will focus on discussing the upper speed limit of the LiDAR system. Based on the working mechanism, the limitation of optical parts on the maximum imaging speed is analyzed. The beam scanner has the greatest impact on imaging speed. We provide the working principle of current popular beam scanners used in LiDAR systems and summarize the main constraints on the scanning speed. Especially, we highlight the spectral scanning LiDAR as a new paradigm of ultrafast LiDAR. Additionally, to further improve the imaging speed, we then review the parallel detection methods, which include multiple-detector schemes and multiplexing technologies. Furthermore, we summarize the LiDAR systems with the fastest point acquisition rate reported nowadays. In the outlook, we address the current technical challenges for ultrafast LiDAR systems from different aspects and give a brief analysis of the feasibility of different approaches. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR), as a hot imaging technology in both industry and academia, has undergone rapid innovation and evolution. The current mainstream direction is towards system miniaturization and integration. There are many metrics that can be used to evaluate the performance of a LiDAR system, such as lateral resolution, ranging accuracy, stability, size, and price. Until recently, with the continuous enrichment of LiDAR application scenarios, the pursuit of imaging speed has attracted tremendous research interest. Particularly, for autonomous vehicles running on motorways or industrial automation applications, the imaging speed of LiDAR systems is a critical bottleneck. In this review, we will focus on discussing the upper speed limit of the LiDAR system. Based on the working mechanism, the limitation of optical parts on the maximum imaging speed is analyzed. The beam scanner has the greatest impact on imaging speed. We provide the working principle of current popular beam scanners used in LiDAR systems and summarize the main constraints on the scanning speed. Especially, we highlight the spectral scanning LiDAR as a new paradigm of ultrafast LiDAR. Additionally, to further improve the imaging speed, we then review the parallel detection methods, which include multiple-detector schemes and multiplexing technologies. Furthermore, we summarize the LiDAR systems with the fastest point acquisition rate reported nowadays. In the outlook, we address the current technical challenges for ultrafast LiDAR systems from different aspects and give a brief analysis of the feasibility of different approaches.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Aug. 01, 2024
- Vol. 12, Issue 8, 1709 (2024)
Fourier-domain-compressed optical time-stretch quantitative phase imaging flow cytometry
Rubing Li, Yueyun Weng, Shubin Wei, Siyuan Lin, Jin Huang, Congkuan Song, Hui Shen, Jinxuan Hou, Yu Xu, Liye Mei, Du Wang, Yujie Zou, Tailang Yin, Fuling Zhou, Qing Geng, Sheng Liu, and Cheng Lei
Optical time-stretch (OTS) imaging flow cytometry offers a promising solution for high-throughput and high-precision cell analysis due to its capabilities of high-speed, high-quality, and continuous imaging. Compressed sensing (CS) makes it practically applicable by significantly reducing the data volume while maintaining its high-speed and high-quality imaging properties. To enrich the information of the images acquired with CS-equipped OTS imaging flow cytometry, in this work we propose and experimentally demonstrate Fourier-domain-compressed OTS quantitative phase imaging flow cytometry. It is capable of acquiring intensity and quantitative phase images of cells simultaneously from the compressed data. To evaluate the performance of our method, static microparticles and a corn root cross section are experimentally measured under various compression ratios. Furthermore, to show how our method can be applied in practice, we utilize it in the drug response analysis of breast cancer cells. Experimental results show that our method can acquire high-quality intensity and quantitative phase images of flowing cells at a flowing speed of 1 m/s and a compression ratio of 30%. Combined with machine-learning-based image analysis, it can distinguish drug-treated and drug-untreated cells with an accuracy of over 95%. We believe our method can facilitate cell analysis in both scientific research and clinical settings where both high-throughput and high-content cell analysis is required. Optical time-stretch (OTS) imaging flow cytometry offers a promising solution for high-throughput and high-precision cell analysis due to its capabilities of high-speed, high-quality, and continuous imaging. Compressed sensing (CS) makes it practically applicable by significantly reducing the data volume while maintaining its high-speed and high-quality imaging properties. To enrich the information of the images acquired with CS-equipped OTS imaging flow cytometry, in this work we propose and experimentally demonstrate Fourier-domain-compressed OTS quantitative phase imaging flow cytometry. It is capable of acquiring intensity and quantitative phase images of cells simultaneously from the compressed data. To evaluate the performance of our method, static microparticles and a corn root cross section are experimentally measured under various compression ratios. Furthermore, to show how our method can be applied in practice, we utilize it in the drug response analysis of breast cancer cells. Experimental results show that our method can acquire high-quality intensity and quantitative phase images of flowing cells at a flowing speed of 1 m/s and a compression ratio of 30%. Combined with machine-learning-based image analysis, it can distinguish drug-treated and drug-untreated cells with an accuracy of over 95%. We believe our method can facilitate cell analysis in both scientific research and clinical settings where both high-throughput and high-content cell analysis is required.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Jul. 26, 2024
- Vol. 12, Issue 8, 1627 (2024)
Stimulation and imaging of neural cells via photonic nanojets
Heng Li, Xixi Chen, Tianli Wu, Zhiyong Gong, Jinghui Guo, Xiaosong Bai, Jiawei Li, Yao Zhang, Yuchao Li, and Baojun Li
Various neuromodulation techniques have been developed to modulate the peak activity of neurons, thereby regulating brain function and alleviating neurological disorders. Additionally, neuronal stimulation and imaging have significantly contributed to the understanding and treatment of these diseases. Here, we propose utilizing photonic nanojets for optical stimulation and imaging of neural cells. The application of resin microspheres as microlenses enhances fluorescence imaging of neural lysosomes, mitochondria, and actin filaments by generating photonic nanojets. Moreover, optical tweezers can precisely manipulate the microlenses to locate specific targets within the cell for real-time stimulation and imaging. The focusing capabilities of these microlenses enable subcellular-level spatial precision in stimulation, allowing highly accurate targeting of neural cells while minimizing off-target effects. Furthermore, fluorescent signals during neural cell stimulation can be detected in real-time using these microlenses. The proposed method facilitates investigation into intercellular signal transmission among neural cells, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of neuronal cell activities at a subcellular level. Various neuromodulation techniques have been developed to modulate the peak activity of neurons, thereby regulating brain function and alleviating neurological disorders. Additionally, neuronal stimulation and imaging have significantly contributed to the understanding and treatment of these diseases. Here, we propose utilizing photonic nanojets for optical stimulation and imaging of neural cells. The application of resin microspheres as microlenses enhances fluorescence imaging of neural lysosomes, mitochondria, and actin filaments by generating photonic nanojets. Moreover, optical tweezers can precisely manipulate the microlenses to locate specific targets within the cell for real-time stimulation and imaging. The focusing capabilities of these microlenses enable subcellular-level spatial precision in stimulation, allowing highly accurate targeting of neural cells while minimizing off-target effects. Furthermore, fluorescent signals during neural cell stimulation can be detected in real-time using these microlenses. The proposed method facilitates investigation into intercellular signal transmission among neural cells, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of neuronal cell activities at a subcellular level.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Jul. 15, 2024
- Vol. 12, Issue 8, 1604 (2024)
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