Measurement of orientation and susceptibility ratios using a polarization-resolved second-harmonic generation holographic microscope

Statistical estimation theory detection limits for label-free imaging

Significance

The emergence of label-free microscopy techniques has significantly improved our ability to precisely characterize biochemical targets, enabling non-invasive visualization of cellular organelles and tissue organization. However, understanding each label-free method with respect to the specific benefits, drawbacks, and varied sensitivities under measurement conditions across different types of specimens remains a challenge.

Aim

We link all of these disparate label-free optical interactions together and compare the detection sensitivity within the framework of statistical estimation theory.

Approach

To achieve this goal, we introduce a comprehensive unified framework for evaluating the bounds for signal detection with label-free microscopy methods, including second-harmonic generation, third-harmonic generation, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, coherent Stokes Raman scattering, stimulated Raman loss, stimulated Raman gain, stimulated emission, impulsive stimulated Raman scattering, transient absorption, and photothermal effect. A general model for signal generation induced by optical scattering is developed.

Results

Based on this model, the information obtained is quantitatively analyzed using Fisher information, and the fundamental constraints on estimation precision are evaluated through the Cramér-Rao lower bound, offering guidance for optimal experimental design and interpretation.

Conclusions

We provide valuable insights for researchers seeking to leverage label-free techniques for non-invasive imaging applications for biomedical research and clinical practice.

Aberration free synthetic aperture second harmonic generation holography

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy is a valuable tool for optical microscopy. SHG microscopy is normally performed as a point scanning imaging method, which lacks phase information and is limited in spatial resolution by the spatial frequency support of the illumination optics. In addition, aberrations in the illumination are difficult to remove. We propose and demonstrate SHG holographic synthetic aperture holographic imaging in both the forward (transmission) and backward (epi) imaging geometries. By taking a set of holograms with varying incident angle plane wave illumination, the spatial frequency support is increased and the input and output pupil phase aberrations are estimated and corrected - producing diffraction limited SHG imaging that combines the spatial frequency support of the input and output optics. The phase correction algorithm is computationally efficient and robust and can be applied to any set of measured field imaging data.

Wide-field Stokes polarimetric microscopy for second harmonic generation imaging

We employ wide-field second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy together with nonlinear Stokes polarimetry for quick ultrastructural investigation of large sample areas (700 μm × 700 μm) in thin histology sections. The Stokes vector components for SHG are obtained from the polarimetric measurements with incident and outgoing linear and circular polarization states. The Stokes components are used to construct the images of polarimetric parameters and deduce the maps of ultrastructural parameters of achiral and chiral nonlinear susceptibility tensor components ratios and cylindrical axis orientation in fibrillar materials. The large area imaging was employed for lung tumor margin investigations. The imaging shows reduced SHG intensity, increased achiral susceptibility ratio values, and preferential orientation of collagen strands along the boarder of tumor margin. The wide-field Stokes polarimetric SHG microscopy opens a possibility of quick large area imaging of ultrastructural parameters of tissue collagen, which can be used for nonlinear histopathology investigations.

Glycosaminoglycans modulate long-range mechanical communication between cells in collagen networks

Cells can sense and respond to mechanical forces in fibrous extracellular matrices (ECMs) over distances much greater than their size. This phenomenon, termed long-range force transmission, is enabled by the realignment (buckling) of collagen fibers along directions where the forces are tensile (compressive). However, whether other key structural components of the ECM, in particular glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), can affect the efficiency of cellular force transmission remains unclear. Here we developed a theoretical model of force transmission in collagen networks with interpenetrating GAGs, capturing the competition between tension-driven collagen fiber alignment and the swelling pressure induced by GAGs. Using this model, we show that the swelling pressure provided by GAGs increases the stiffness of the collagen network by stretching the fibers in an isotropic manner. We found that the GAG-induced swelling pressure can help collagen fibers resist buckling as the cells exert contractile forces. This mechanism impedes the alignment of collagen fibers and decreases long-range cellular mechanical communication. We experimentally validated the theoretical predictions by comparing the intensity of collagen fiber alignment between cellular spheroids cultured on collagen gels versus collagen–GAG cogels. We found significantly lower intensities of aligned collagen in collagen–GAG cogels, consistent with the prediction that GAGs can prevent collagen fiber alignment. The role of GAGs in modulating force transmission uncovered in this work can be extended to understand pathological processes such as the formation of fibrotic scars and cancer metastasis, where cells communicate in the presence of abnormally high concentrations of GAGs.

Measuring 3D orientation of nanocrystals via polarized luminescence of rare-earth dopants

Orientation of nanoscale objects can be measured by examining the polarized emission of optical probes. To retrieve a three-dimensional (3D) orientation, it has been essential to observe the probe (a dipole) along multiple viewing angles and scan with a rotating analyzer. However, this method requires a sophisticated optical setup and is subject to various external sources of error. Here, we present a fundamentally different approach employing coupled multiple emission dipoles that are inherent in lanthanide-doped phosphors. Simultaneous observation of different dipoles and comparison of their relative intensities allow to determine the 3D orientation from a single viewing angle. Moreover, the distinct natures of electric and magnetic dipoles originating in lanthanide luminescence enable an instant orientation analysis with a single-shot emission spectrum. We demonstrate a straightforward orientation analysis of Eu³⁺-doped NaYF₄ nanocrystals using a conventional fluorescence microscope. Direct imaging of the rod-shaped nanocrystals proved the high accuracy of the measurement. This methodology would provide insights into the mechanical behaviors of various nano- and biomolecular systems.

Determining the orientation of nanoscale objects in three-dimensional space has typically required complicated optical setups. Here, the authors develop a simple method to retrieve the 3D orientation of luminescent, lanthanide-doped nanorods from a single-shot emission spectrum.

Harmonic optical tomography of nonlinear structures

Second-harmonic generation microscopy is a valuable label-free modality for imaging non-centrosymmetric structures and has important biomedical applications from live-cell imaging to cancer diagnosis. Conventional second-harmonic generation microscopy measures intensity signals that originate from tightly focused laser beams, preventing researchers from solving the scattering inverse problem for second-order nonlinear materials. Here, we present harmonic optical tomography (HOT) as a novel modality for imaging microscopic, nonlinear and inhomogeneous objects. The HOT principle of operation relies on inter-ferometrically measuring the complex harmonic field and using a scattering inverse model to reconstruct the three-dimensional distribution of harmonophores. HOT enables strong axial sectioning via the momentum conservation of spatially and temporally broadband fields. We illustrate the HOT operation with experiments and reconstructions on a beta-barium borate crystal and various biological specimens. Although our results involve second-order nonlinear materials, we show that this approach applies to any coherent nonlinear process.

Functional second harmonic generation microscopy probes molecular dynamics with high temporal resolution

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy is a powerful tool for label free ex vivo or in vivo imaging, widely used to investigate structure and organization of endogenous SHG emitting proteins such as myosin or collagen. Polarization resolved SHG microscopy renders supplementary information and is used to probe different molecular states. This development towards functional SHG microscopy is calling for new methods for high speed functional imaging of dynamic processes. In this work we present two approaches with linear polarized light and demonstrate high speed line scan measurements of the molecular dynamics of the motor protein myosin with a time resolution of 1 ms in mammalian muscle cells. Such a high speed functional SHG microscopy has high potential to deliver new insights into structural and temporal molecular dynamics under ex vivo or in vivo conditions.

One-step Jones matrix polarization holography for extraction of spatially resolved Jones matrix of polarization-sensitive materials

We propose, for the first time to our knowledge, a method for realizing one-step measurement of two-dimensional Jones matrix parameters of polarization-sensitive materials. This method could be called one-step Jones matrix polarization holography (JMPH). Our theoretical analysis and the experimental results demonstrate that a double-source polarization interferometer combined with angular multiplexing holography make it possible to realize one-step holographic measurements of four spatially resolved Jones matrix parameters. Compared with the existing methods, our one-step JMPH has a simpler optical arrangement and easier measuring procedure. We believe that it will provide a new approach for development of an integrated system suitable for measuring, in real-time, a Jones matrix or transmittance matrix, as well as dynamic polarization imaging.

Imaging the noncentrosymmetric structural organization of tendon with Interferometric Second Harmonic Generation microscopy

We report the imaging of tendon with Interferometric Second Harmonic Generation microscopy. We observe that the noncentrosymmetric structural organization can be maintained along the fibrillar axis over more than 150 μm, while in the transverse direction it is ∼1-15 μm. Those results are explained by modeling tendon as a heterogeneous distribution of noncentrosymmetric nano-cylinders (collagen fibrils) oriented along the fibrillar axis. The preservation of the noncentrosymmetric structural organization over multiple tens of microns reveals that tendon is made of domains in which the ratio between fibrils with positive and negative polarity is unbalanced.

Seeing through turbidity with harmonic holography [Invited]

The ability to see inside the body noninvasively is indispensable in modern biology and medicine. Optical approaches to such abilities are of rapidly growing interest because of their nonionizing nature and low cost. However, the problem of opacity due to the optical turbidity of tissues must be addressed before optical means become practical. Harmonic holography amalgamates the capability of holographic phase conjugation with the contrast-forming mechanism of second-harmonic generation, which provides a unique opportunity for imaging through a turbid medium. In this review we give accounts of the effort of imaging through turbid media using harmonic holographic phase conjugation.

Imaging the bipolarity of myosin filaments with Interferometric Second Harmonic Generation microscopy

We report that combining interferometry with Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy provides valuable information about the relative orientation of noncentrosymmetric structures composing tissues. This is confirmed through the imaging of rat medial gastrocnemius muscle. The inteferometric Second Harmonic Generation (ISHG) images reveal that each side of the myosin filaments composing the A band of the sarcomere generates π phase shifted SHG signal which implies that the myosin proteins at each end of the filaments are oriented in opposite directions. This highlights the bipolar structural organization of the myosin filaments and shows that muscles can be considered as a periodically poled biological structure.