FAST CARS: engineering a laser spectroscopic technique for rapid identification of bacterial spores

Coherent Vibrational Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy Assisted by Pulse Shaping

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) is a powerful nonlinear spectroscopic technique widely used in biological imaging, chemical analysis, and combustion and flame diagnostics. The adoption of pulse shapers in CARS has emerged as a useful approach, offering precise control of optical waveforms. By tailoring the phase, amplitude, and polarization of laser pulses, the pulse shaping approach enables selective excitation, spectral resolution improvement, and non-resonant background suppression in CARS. This paper presents a comprehensive review of applying pulse shaping techniques in CARS spectroscopy for biophotonics. There are two different pulse shaping strategies: passive pulse shaping and active pulse shaping. Two passive pulse shaping techniques, hybrid CARS and spectral focusing CARS, are reviewed. Active pulse shaping using a programmable pulse shaper such as spatial light modulator (SLM) is discussed for CARS spectroscopy. Combining active pulse shaping and passive shaping, optimizing CARS with acousto-optic programmable dispersive filters (AOPDFs) is discussed and illustrated with experimental examples conducted in the authors' laboratory. These results underscore pulse shapers in advancing CARS technology, enabling improved sensitivity, specificity, and broader applications across diverse scientific fields.

An ultrafast algorithm for ultrafast time-resolved coherent Raman spectroscopy

Time-resolved coherent Raman spectroscopy (CRS) is a powerful non-linear optical technique for quantitative, in-situ analysis of chemically reacting flows, offering unparalleled accuracy and exceptional spatiotemporal resolution. Its application to large polyatomic molecules, crucial for understanding reaction dynamics, has thus far been limited by the complexity of their rotational-vibrational Raman spectra. Progress in developing comprehensive spectral codes for these molecules, a longstanding goal, has been hindered by prohibitively long computation times required for their spectral synthesis. Here, we present an algorithm that achieves a million-fold improvement in computation time compared to existing methods. The algorithm demonstrates remarkable accuracy, with an approximation error below 0.1% across all tested probe delays, at both room temperature (296 K) and elevated temperatures (1500 K). This result could greatly expand the application of time-resolved CRS, particularly in plasma research, as well as in broader atmospheric and astrophysical sciences.

Recent progress in online detection methods of bioaerosols

The aerosol transmission of coronavirus disease in 2019, along with the spread of other respiratory diseases, caused significant loss of life and property; it impressed upon us the importance of real-time bioaerosol detection. The complexity, diversity, and large spatiotemporal variability of bioaerosols and their external/internal mixing with abiotic components pose challenges for effective online bioaerosol monitoring. Traditional methods focus on directly capturing bioaerosols before subsequent time-consuming laboratory analysis such as culture-based methods, preventing the high-resolution time-based characteristics necessary for an online approach. Through a comprehensive literature assessment, this review highlights and discusses the most commonly used real-time bioaerosol monitoring techniques and the associated commercially available monitors. Methods applied in online bioaerosol monitoring, including adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence, laser/light-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and bioaerosol mass spectrometry are summarized. The working principles, characteristics, sensitivities, and efficiencies of these real-time detection methods are compared to understand their responses to known particle types and to contrast their differences. Approaches developed to analyze the substantial data sets obtained by these instruments and to overcome the limitations of current real-time bioaerosol monitoring technologies are also introduced. Finally, an outlook is proposed for future instrumentation indicating a need for highly revolutionized bioaerosol detection technologies.

Coherent Raman spectroscopy on hydrogen with in-situ generation, in-situ use, and in-situ referencing of the ultrabroadband excitation

Time-resolved spectroscopy can provide valuable insights in hydrogen chemistry, with applications ranging from fundamental physics to the use of hydrogen as a commercial fuel. This work represents the first-ever demonstration of in-situ femtosecond laser-induced filamentation to generate a compressed supercontinuum behind a thick optical window, and its in-situ use to perform femtosecond/picosecond coherent Raman spectroscopy (CRS) on molecular hydrogen (H₂). The ultrabroadband coherent excitation of Raman active molecules in measurement scenarios within an enclosed space has been hindered thus far by the window material imparting temporal stretch to the pulse. We overcome this challenge and present the simultaneous single-shot detection of the rotational H₂ and the non-resonant CRS spectra in a laminar H₂/air diffusion flame. Implementing an in-situ referencing protocol, the non-resonant spectrum measures the spectral phase of the supercontinuum pulse and maps the efficiency of the ultrabroadband coherent excitation achieved behind the window. This approach provides a straightforward path for the implementation of ultrabroadband H₂ CRS in enclosed environment such as next-generation hydrogen combustors and reforming reactors.

Entangled photons enabled time-frequency-resolved coherent Raman spectroscopy and applications to electronic coherences at femtosecond scale

Quantum entanglement has emerged as a great resource for spectroscopy and its importance in two-photon spectrum and microscopy has been demonstrated. Current studies focus on the two-photon absorption, whereas the Raman spectroscopy with quantum entanglement still remains elusive, with outstanding issues of temporal and spectral resolutions. Here we study the new capabilities provided by entangled photons in coherent Raman spectroscopy. An ultrafast frequency-resolved Raman spectroscopy with entangled photons is developed for condensed-phase molecules, to probe the electronic and vibrational coherences. Using quantum correlation between the photons, the signal shows the capability of both temporal and spectral resolutions not accessible by either classical pulses or the fields without entanglement. We develop a microscopic theory for this Raman spectroscopy, revealing the electronic coherence dynamics even at timescale of 50fs. This suggests new paradigms of optical signals and spectroscopy, with potential to push detection below standard quantum limit.

Theoretical Study on the Ultrafast Selective Excitation of Surface-Enhanced Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Based on Fano Resonance of Disk-Ring Nanostructures by Shaped Femtosecond Laser Pulses

The enhancement and selective excitation of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and the suppression of background noise are very important problems for real-time detection at the single-molecule level. Optimizing the plasmonic substrate to ensure that all the hot spots of the pump, probe, Stokes, and anti-Stokes light are at the same position is the key to increasing the CARS signal to reach the level of single-molecule detection. The selective excitation of the target CARS peak and the suppression of the other peaks are the key to improving the signal-to-noise ratio. In this paper, we present a theoretical study to control the selective excitation and enhancement of any one of the three CARS peaks using the Fano resonance of a disk-ring structure. By optimizing the modulation of the pump, Stokes, and probe pulse, one CARS peak is maximized, while the other two are suppressed to zero. Fano resonance is applied to simultaneously enhance the four surface plasmon modes of the pump, probe, Stokes, and anti-Stokes light and to ensure that all the hot spots are located at the same position by adjusting the size of the disk-ring structure. The hot spots of the four pulses are concentrated in the disk-ring gap with a deviation distance of less than 2 nm, and the intensity of the CARS is enhanced by 1.43 × 1012 times, which is much higher than the requirement of single-molecule detection. The time, frequency, and phase distribution of the input and the response of the four pulses are studied in detail. It was found that the selective excitation and the spectra of CARS are both well preserved.

Standoff CARS spectroscopy and imaging using an ytterbium-based laser system

A laser system for standoff coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy of various materials under ambient light conditions is presented. The system is based on an ytterbium laser and an ultrafast optical parametric amplifier for the generation of a broadband pump tunable from 880 to 930 nm, a Stokes at 1025 nm, and a narrowband probe at 512.5 nm. High-resolution Raman spectra encompassing the fingerprint region (400-1800 cm^-1) are obtained in 5 ms for toluene, and 100 ms for two types of sugars, glucose and fructose, at a distance of 1 m. As a demonstration of the potential of the setup, hyperspectral images of a 2×2-cm² target area are collected for a toluene cuvette and a glucose/fructose pressed disk. Our approach is suitable for implementation of a portable system for standoff CARS imaging of chemical and biological materials.

Facilitated endospore detection for Bacillus spp. through automated algorithm-based image processing

Bacillus spp. endospores are important dormant cell forms and are distributed widely in environmental samples. While these endospores can have important industrial value (e.g. use in animal feed as probiotics), they can also be pathogenic for humans and animals, emphasizing the need for effective endospore detection. Standard spore detection by colony forming units (CFU) is time-consuming, elaborate and prone to error. Manual spore detection by spore count in cell counting chambers via phase-contrast microscopy is less time-consuming. However, it requires a trained person to conduct. Thus, the development of a facilitated spore detection tool is necessary. This work presents two alternative quantification methods: first, a colorimetric assay for detecting the biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) adapted to modern needs and applied for Bacillus spp. and second, a model-based automated spore detection algorithm for spore count in phase-contrast microscopic pictures. This automated spore count tool advances manual spore detection in cell counting chambers, and does not require human overview after sample preparation. In conclusion, this developed model detected various Bacillus spp. endospores with a correctness of 85-89%, and allows an automation and time-saving of Bacillus endospore detection. In the laboratory routine, endospore detection and counting was achieved within 5-10 min, compared to up to 48 h with conventional methods. The DPA-assay on the other hand enabled very accurate spore detection by simple colorimetric measurement and can thus be applied as a reference method.

Fiber laser system for standoff coherent Raman spectroscopy

A fiber laser system for standoff detection of chemical and biological species by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering is presented. The system is based on an ytterbium fiber laser and a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber for generation of broadband pump/Stokes pulses. High-resolution Raman spectra encompassing the fingerprint region (600-1600cm^-1) are obtained for toluene, and two simulants of chemical and biological warfare agents, specifically dimethyl methylphosphonate and sodium dipicolinate. The system is operated at standoff distances of 2 m and integration times of 8 ms. The fiber technology makes the approach suitable for implementation as a compact standoff detection and identification system.

Laser spectroscopic technique for direct identification of a single virus I: FASTER CARS

Surface features of a virus are very important in determining its virility. For example, the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to the ACE2 receptor site of the host cell with a much stronger affinity than did the original SARS virus. Thus, it is clearly important to understand the virion surface structure. To that end, the present paper combines the spatial resolution of atomic force microscopy and the spectral resolution of coherent Raman spectroscopy. This combination of tip-enhanced microscopy using femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (FAST CARS) with enhanced resolution (FASTER CARS) allows us to map a single virus particle with nanometer resolution and chemical specificity.

From the famous 1918 H1N1 influenza to the present COVID-19 pandemic, the need for improved viral detection techniques is all too apparent. The aim of the present paper is to show that identification of individual virus particles in clinical sample materials quickly and reliably is near at hand. First of all, our team has developed techniques for identification of virions based on a modular atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques with enhanced resolution via coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (FASTER CARS) using tip-enhanced techniques markedly improves the sensitivity [M. O. Scully, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99, 10994–11001 (2002)].

Enhanced signals from chiral molecules via molecular coherence

One of the most widely used chiroptical spectroscopic methods for studying chiral molecules is Raman optical activity; however, the chiral Raman optical activity signal is extremely weak. Here, we theoretically examine enhanced chiral signals in a system with strongly prepared molecular coherence. We show that the enhanced chiral signal due to strong molecular coherence is up to four orders of magnitude higher than that of the spontaneous Raman optical activity. We discuss several advantages of studying the heterodyned signal obtained by combining the anti-Stokes signal with a local oscillator. The heterodyning allows direct measurement of the ratio of the chiral and achiral parameters. Taking advantage of the molecular coherence and heterodyne detection, the coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering technique opens up a new potential application for investigation of biomolecular chirality.

CARS spectroscopy of Aspergillus nidulans spores

Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) is performed on single spores (conidia) of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans in order to establish a baseline measurement for fungal spores. Chemical maps of single spores are generated and spectral differentiation between the cell wall and the cytoplasm is achieved. Principal Component Analysis of the measured spectra is then completed as a means to quantify spore heterogeneity. Applications range from the quick and accurate diagnosis of public health concerns to real-time agricultural and environmental sensing of fungal symbionts and pathogens.

Two-Photon Infrared Resonance Can Enhance Coherent Raman Scattering

In this Letter we present a new technique for attaining efficient low-background coherent Raman scattering where the Raman coherence is mediated by a tunable infrared laser in two-photon resonance with a chosen vibrational transition. In addition to the traditional benefits of conventional coherent Raman schemes, this approach offers a number of advantages including potentially higher emission intensity, reduction of nonresonant four-wave mixing background, preferential excitation of the anti-Stokes field, and simplified phase matching conditions. In particular, this is demonstrated in gaseous methane along the ν_{1} (A_{1}) and ν_{3} (T_{2}) vibrational levels using an infrared field tuned between 1400 and 1600  cm^{-1} and a 532-nm pump field. This approach has broad applications, from coherent light generation to spectroscopic remote sensing and chemically specific imaging in microscopy.

Short-pulse lasers for weather control

Filamentation of ultra-short TW-class lasers recently opened new perspectives in atmospheric research. Laser filaments are self-sustained light structures of 0.1-1 mm in diameter, spanning over hundreds of meters in length, and producing a low density plasma (10¹⁵-10¹⁷ cm^-3) along their path. They stem from the dynamic balance between Kerr self-focusing and defocusing by the self-generated plasma and/or non-linear polarization saturation. While non-linearly propagating in air, these filamentary structures produce a coherent supercontinuum (from 230 nm to 4 µm, for a 800 nm laser wavelength) by self-phase modulation (SPM), which can be used for remote 3D-monitoring of atmospheric components by Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging). However, due to their high intensity (10¹³-10¹⁴ W cm^-2), they also modify the chemical composition of the air via photo-ionization and photo-dissociation of the molecules and aerosols present in the laser path. These unique properties were recently exploited for investigating the capability of modulating some key atmospheric processes, like lightning from thunderclouds, water vapor condensation, fog formation and dissipation, and light scattering (albedo) from high altitude clouds for radiative forcing management. Here we review recent spectacular advances in this context, achieved both in the laboratory and in the field, reveal their underlying mechanisms, and discuss the applicability of using these new non-linear photonic catalysts for real scale weather control.

Amplitude concentration in a phase-modulated spectrum due to femtosecond filamentation

We present a method by which the spectral intensity of an ultrafast laser pulse can be accumulated at selected frequencies by a controllable amount. Using a 4-f pulse shaper we modulate the phase of the frequency components of a femtosecond laser. By inducing femtosecond filamentation with the modulated pulse, we can concentrate the spectral amplitude of the pulse at various frequencies. The phase mask applied by the pulse shaper determines the frequencies for which accumulation occurs, as well as the intensity of the spectral concentration. This technique provides a way to obtain pulses with adjustable amplitude using only phase modulation and the nonlinear response of a medium. This provides a means whereby information which is encoded into spectral phase jumps may be decoded into measurable spectral intensity spikes.

Optical Biosensing of Bacteria and Bacterial Communities

Bacterial sensing is important for understanding the numerous roles bacteria play in nature and in technology, understanding and managing bacterial populations, detecting pathogenic bacterial infections, and preventing the outbreak of illness. Current analytical challenges in bacterial sensing center on the dilemma of rapidly acquiring quantitative information about bacteria with high detection efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity, while operating within a reasonable budget and optimizing the use of ancillary tools, such as multivariate statistics. This review starts from a general description of bacterial sensing methods and challenges, and then focuses on bacterial characterization using optical methods including Raman spectroscopy and imaging, infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging, and plasmonics, including both extended and localized surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. The advantages and drawbacks of each method in relation to the others are discussed, as are their applications. A particularly promising direction in bacterial sensing lies in combining multiple approaches to achieve multiplex analysis, and examples where this has been achieved are highlighted.

Single-beam heterodyne FAST CARS microscopy

We demonstrate, for the first time, single-beam heterodyne FAST CARS imaging without data post-processing and with nonresonant background subtraction in a simple setup via the real-time piezo modulation of the probe delay. Our fast signal acquisition scheme does not require a spatial light modulator in the pulse shaper, and is suitable for high-resolution imaging and time-resolved dynamics. In addition, the spectral detection of the back-scattered FAST CARS signal is incorporated into the pulse shaper, allowing for a compact and more efficient design. Such epi-detection capability is demonstrated by imaging Si and MoS₂ microstructures.

Dual-soliton Stokes-based background-free coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy and microscopy

We propose an all-fiber-generated, dual-soliton, Stokes-based scheme for background-free coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) under the spectral focusing mechanism. Owing to the strong birefringence and high nonlinearity of a polarization-maintaining PCF (PM-PCF), two soliton pulses can be simultaneously emitted along different eigenpolarization axes and both serve as Stokes pulses, while allowing feasible tunability of frequency distance and temporal interval between them. This proposed scheme, based on an all-fiber light source, exploits a unique combination of slight frequency-shift temporal walk-off of these two solitons to achieve efficient suppression of the nonresonant background and beat the inaccessibility and complexity of the excitation source. Capability is experimentally demonstrated by background-free CARS spectroscopy and unambiguous CARS microscopy in the fingerprint region.

Ultrafast and nonlinear surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Ultrafast surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has the potential to study molecular dynamics near plasmonic surfaces to better understand plasmon-mediated chemical reactions such as plasmonically-enhanced photocatalytic or photovoltaic processes. This review discusses the combination of ultrafast Raman spectroscopic techniques with plasmonic substrates for high temporal resolution, high sensitivity, and high spatial resolution vibrational spectroscopy. First, we introduce background information relevant to ultrafast SERS: the mechanisms of surface enhancement in Raman scattering, the characterization of plasmonic materials with ultrafast techniques, and early complementary techniques to study molecule-plasmon interactions. We then discuss recent advances in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopies with ultrafast pulses with a focus on the study of molecule-plasmon coupling and molecular dynamics with high sensitivity. We also highlight the challenges faced by this field by the potential damage caused by concentrated, highly energetic pulsed fields in plasmonic hotspots, and finally the potential for future ultrafast SERS studies.

Vibrational spectroscopic methods for cytology and cellular research

The use of vibrational spectroscopy, FTIR and Raman, for cytology and cellular research has the potential to revolutionise the approach to cellular analysis. Vibrational spectroscopy is non-destructive, simple to operate and provides direct information. Importantly it does not require expensive exogenous labels that may affect the chemistry of the cell under analysis. In addition, the advent of spectroscopic microscopes provides the ability to image cells and acquire spectra with a subcellular resolution. This introductory review focuses on recent developments within this fast paced field and highlights potential for the future use of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. We particularly focus on the development of live cell research and the new technologies and methodologies that have enabled this.

A versatile setup using femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

We report a versatile setup based on the femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. The setup uses a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire oscillator source and a folded 4f pulse shaper, in which the pulse shaping is carried out through conventional optical elements and does not require a spatial light modulator. Our setup is simple in alignment, and can be easily switched between the collinear single-beam and the noncollinear two-beam configurations. We demonstrate the capability for investigating both transparent and highly scattering samples by detecting transmitted and reflected signals, respectively.

Single-shot stand-off chemical identification of powders using random Raman lasing

The task of identifying explosives, hazardous chemicals, and biological materials from a safe distance is the subject we consider. Much of the prior work on stand-off spectroscopy using light has been devoted to generating a backward-propagating beam of light that can be used drive further spectroscopic processes. The discovery of random lasing and, more recently, random Raman lasing provide a mechanism for remotely generating copious amounts of chemically specific Raman scattered light. The bright nature of random Raman lasing renders directionality unnecessary, allowing for the detection and identification of chemicals from large distances in real time. In this article, the single-shot remote identification of chemicals at kilometer-scale distances is experimentally demonstrated using random Raman lasing.

Stimulated Raman spectroscopy with 0π pulses

We developed a new variant of stimulated Raman spectroscopy with shaped short pulses, applicable to multiscattering media. The technique is based on the spectral modulation of the laser pulse due to the Raman scattering and may have a broad range of applications from spectroscopy and pathogen detection to microscopy.

Bio-organic materials in the atmosphere and snow: measurement and characterization

Bio-organic chemicals are ubiquitous in the Earth's atmosphere and at air-snow interfaces, as well as in aerosols and in clouds. It has been known for centuries that airborne biological matter plays various roles in the transmission of disease in humans and in ecosystems. The implication of chemical compounds of biological origins in cloud condensation and in ice nucleation processes has also been studied during the last few decades, and implications have been suggested in the reduction of visibility, in the influence on oxidative potential of the atmosphere and transformation of compounds in the atmosphere, in the formation of haze, change of snow-ice albedo, in agricultural processes, and bio-hazards and bio-terrorism. In this review we critically examine existing observation data on bio-organic compounds in the atmosphere and in snow. We also review both conventional and cutting-edge analytical techniques and methods for measurement and characterisation of bio-organic compounds and specifically for microbial communities, in the atmosphere and snow. We also explore the link between biological compounds and nucleation processes. Due to increased interest in decreasing emissions of carbon-containing compounds, we also briefly review (in an Appendix) methods and techniques that are currently deployed for bio-organic remediation.

Illuminating disease and enlightening biomedicine: Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool

The discovery of the Raman effect in 1928 not only aided fundamental understanding about the quantum nature of light and matter but also opened up a completely novel area of optics and spectroscopic research that is accelerating at a greater rate during the last decade than at any time since its inception. This introductory overview focuses on some of the most recent developments within this exciting field and how this has enabled and enhanced disease diagnosis and biomedical applications. We highlight a small number of stimulating high-impact studies in imaging, endoscopy, stem cell research, and other recent developments such as spatially offset Raman scattering amongst others. We hope this stimulates further interest in this already exciting field, by 'illuminating' some of the current research being undertaken by the latest in a very long line of dedicated experimentalists interested in the properties and potential beneficial applications of light.

Time-resolved surface-enhanced coherent sensing of nanoscale molecular complexes

Nanoscale real-time molecular sensing requires large signal enhancement, small background, short detection time and high spectral resolution. We demonstrate a new vibrational spectroscopic technique which satisfies all of these conditions. This time-resolved surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (tr-SECARS) spectroscopy is used to detect hydrogen-bonded molecular complexes of pyridine with water in the near field of gold nanoparticles with large signal enhancement and a fraction of a second collection time. Optimal spectral width and time delays of ultrashort laser pulses suppress the surface-enhanced non-resonant background. Time-resolved signals increase the spectral resolution which is limited by the width of the probe pulse and allow measuring nanoscale vibrational dephasing dynamics. This technique combined with quantum chemistry simulations may be used for the investigation of complex mixtures at the nanoscale and surface environment of artificial nanostructures and biological systems.

Ultrafast laser spectroscopy and control of atmospheric aerosols

We review applications of ultrafast laser pulses for aerosol analysis via linear and non-linear spectroscopy, including the most advanced techniques like coherent control of molecular excited states. We also discuss the capability of such pulses to influence the nucleation of atmospheric aerosols by assisting condensation of water in air.

Detecting anthrax in the mail by coherent Raman microspectroscopy

In this report, we show the collection of spatial information through a turbid medium by coherent Raman microspectroscopic imaging. In particular, the technique is capable of identifying anthrax endospores inside a sealed paper envelope.

Non-resonant background suppression by destructive interference in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) with femtosecond interaction pulses has become a popular and powerful spectroscopic method. Non-resonant background is one of the most limiting factors for implementing this method more widely. We propose a new approach that suppresses the non-resonant background contribution to the measured signal in CARS spectroscopy while simultaneously yielding high spectral resolution. The method is based on femtosecond pulse shaping of probe, Stokes and pump beams. Destructive interference suppresses the non-resonant background, resulting only in the resonant contribution being detected.

Probe-pulse optimization for nonresonant suppression in hybrid fs/ps coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering at high temperature

Hybrid femtosecond/picosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (fs/ps CARS) offers accurate thermometry at kHz rates for combustion diagnostics. In high-temperature flames, selection of probe-pulse characteristics is key to simultaneously optimizing signal-to-nonresonant-background ratio, signal strength, and spectral resolution. We demonstrate a simple method for enhancing signal-to-nonresonant-background ratio by using a narrowband Lorentzian filter to generate a time-asymmetric probe pulse with full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) pulse width of only 240 fs. This allows detection within just 310 fs after the Raman excitation for eliminating nonresonant background while retaining 45% of the resonant signal at 2000 K. The narrow linewidth is comparable to that of a time-symmetric sinc2 probe pulse with a pulse width of ~2.4 ps generated with a conventional 4-f pulse shaper. This allows nonresonant-background-free, frequency-domain vibrational spectroscopy at high temperature, as verified using comparisons to a time-dependent theoretical fs/ps CARS model.

Improving sensitivity in nonlinear Raman microspectroscopy imaging and sensing

Nonlinear Raman microspectroscopy based on a broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering is an emerging technique for noninvasive, chemically specific, microscopic analysis of tissues and large population of cells and particles. The sensitivity of this imaging is a critical aspect of a number of the proposed biomedical application. It is shown that the incident laser power is the major parameter controlling this sensitivity. By careful optimizing the laser system, the high-quality vibrational spectra acquisition at the multi-kHz rate becomes feasible.

Hyperspectral coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy imaging through turbid medium

Coherent Raman microspectroscopy imaging is an emerging technique for noninvasive, chemically specific optical imaging, which can be potentially used to analyze the chemical composition and its distribution in biological tissues. In this report, a hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to hyperspectral coherent anti-Stokes Raman imaging of different chemical species through a turbid medium. It was demonstrated that by using readily available commercial software (Cytospec, Inc.) and cluster analysis, distinct chemical species can be imaged and identified through a rather thick layer of scattering medium. Once the clusters of different chemical composition were distinguished, a phase retrieval algorithm was used to convert coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectra to Raman spectra, which were used for chemical identification of hidden microscopic objects. In particular, applications to remote optical sensing of potential biological threats and to imaging through a layer of skin tissue were successfully demonstrated.

Single-beam coherent Raman spectroscopy and microscopy via spectral notch shaping

We present a simple and easily implementable scheme for multiplexed Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) spectroscopy and microscopy using a single femtosecond pulse, shaped with a narrow spectral notch. We show that a tunable spectral notch, shaped by a resonant photonic crystal slab, can serve as a narrowband, optimally time-delayed probe, resolving a broad vibrational spectrum with high spectral resolution in a single-shot measurement. Our single-source, single-beam scheme allows the simple transformation of any multiphoton microscope with adequate bandwidth into a nearly alignment-free CARS microscope.

Lorentzian amplitude and phase pulse shaping for nonresonant background suppression and enhanced spectral resolution in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy and microscopy

Femtosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy offers several advantages over spontaneous Raman spectroscopy due to the inherently high sensitivity and low average power deposition in the sample. Femtosecond CARS can be implemented in a collinear pump/probe beam configuration for microspectroscopy applications and has emerged as a powerful technique for chemical imaging of biological specimens. However, one serious limitation of this approach is the presence of a high nonresonant background component that often obscures the resonant signals of interest. We report here an innovative pulse-shaping method based on Lorentzian amplitude and phase spectral modulation of a broadband femtosecond probe pulse that yields spectra with both high spectral resolution and no nonresonant background. No further mathematical analysis is needed to extract Raman spectra. The utility of the proposed method for CARS microscopy is demonstrated using a mixture of polystyrene and latex beads, as well as dry-fixed embryonic stem cells.

Separation of CARS image contributions with a Gaussian mixture model

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) gained a lot of importance in chemical imaging. This is due to the fast image acquisition time, the high spatial resolution, the non-invasiveness, and the molecular sensitivity of this method. By using the single-line CARS in contrast to the multiplex CARS, different signal contributions stemming from resonant and non-resonant light-matter interactions are indistinguishable. Here a numerical method is presented in order to extract more information from univariate CARS images: vibrational composition, morphological information, and contributions from index-of-refraction steps can be separated from single-line CARS images. The image processing algorithm is based on the physical properties of CARS process as reflected in the shape of the intensity histogram of univariate CARS images. Because of this the comparability of individual CARS images recorded with different experimental parameters is achieved. The latter is important for a quantitative evaluation of CARS images.

Elastic and inelastic light scattering from single bacterial spores in an optical trap allows the monitoring of spore germination dynamics

Raman scattering spectroscopy and elastic light scattering intensity (ESLI) were used to simultaneously measure levels of Ca-dipicolinic acid (CaDPA) and changes in spore morphology and refractive index during germination of individual Bacillus subtilis spores with and without the two redundant enzymes (CLEs), CwlJ and SleB, that degrade spores' peptidoglycan cortexes. Conclusions from these measurements include (1) CaDPA release from individual wild-type germinating spores was biphasic; in a first heterogeneous slow phase, T(lag), CaDPA levels decreased approximately 15%, and in the second phase ending at T(release), remaining CaDPA was released rapidly; (2) in L-alanine germination of wild-type spores and spores lacking SleB (a) the ESLI rose approximately 2-fold shortly before T(lag) at T(1), (b) following T(lag), the ESLI again rose approximately 2-fold at T(2) when CaDPA levels had decreased approximately 50%, and (c) the ESLI reached its maximum value at approximately T(release) and then decreased; (3) in CaDPA germination of wild-type spores, (a) T(lag) increased and the first increase in ESLI occurred well before T(lag), consistent with different pathways for CaDPA and L-alanine germination, (b) at T(release), the ESLI again reached its maximum value; (4) in L-alanine germination of spores lacking both CLEs and unable to degrade their cortex, the time DeltaT(release) (T(release) - T(lag)) for excretion of > or = 75% of CaDPA was approximately 15-fold higher than that for wild-type or sleB spores; and (5) spores lacking only CwlJ exhibited a similar but not identical ESLI pattern during L-alanine germination to that seen with cwlJ sleB spores and the high value for DeltaT(release).

Standoff and arms-length detection of chemicals with single-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

The detection of chemicals from safe distances is vital in environments with potentially hazardous or explosive threats, where high sensitivity and fast detection speed are needed. Here we demonstrate standoff detection of several solids, liquids, and gases with single-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. This approach utilizes a phase coherent ultrabroad-bandwidth femtosecond laser to probe the fundamental vibrations that constitute a molecule's fingerprint. Characteristic Raman lines for several chemicals are successfully obtained from arms-length and 12 m standoff distances. The sensitivity and speed of this approach are also demonstrated.

Effects of minerals on sporulation and heat resistance of Clostridium sporogenes

In this study, various mineral supplements, such as chloride salts (CaCl2, MgCl2, MnCl2, FeCl2 and KCl) supplying cations and calcium salts (CaCl2, CaCO3, CaSO4, Ca(OH)2 and CaHPO4) supplying anions, were tested if they could stimulate the sporulation of Clostridium sporogenes, a surrogate microorganism for C. botulinum. Of the cations tested, the addition of CaCl2 showed a slightly, but not significantly, greater increase in spore levels within 3 weeks of incubation, compared to that of the other cations. The optimum concentration of CaCl2 was 0.5%, which yielded nearly 10(4) CFU/ml of spores. Of the anions tested, CaCO3 promoted sporulation within one week, which was the most effective compound for promoting rapid sporulation among the minerals tested. CaSO4 produced a pattern of sporulation similar to that of CaCl2. While CaHPO4 resulted in the maximum production of spores after 4 weeks, Ca(OH)2 failed to induce sporulation. With an optimized concentration of 0.5% CaCO3, the spore yield was approximately 10(5) CFU/ml. The spores prepared in sporulation medium with CaCO3 (pH 5.0) had slightly, but not significantly, higher D values than those produced with CaCl2 (pH 5.0) at temperatures ranging from 113 to 121 degrees C. However, no significant differences were observed in Z values (both 10.76 degrees C). In a large scale spore production, D(121 degrees C) values of the spore crops prepared with CaCl2 and CaCO3 and resuspended in phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) were found to be both 0.92 min. In conclusion, our data suggest that CaCO3 is highly effective in reducing sporulation time as well as enhancing heat resistance.

Real-time monitoring of blood using coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy

We demonstrate a real-time method of measuring the vibrational Raman spectrum of whole blood. Using a novel coherent Raman technique, we record the vibrational spectrum of the red blood cells from picoliters in blood in milliseconds. This method will allow real-time in vivo blood monitoring.