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Stimulated Raman projection tomography is a label-free volumetric chemical imaging technology allowing three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of chemical distribution in a biological sample from the angle-dependent stimulated Raman scattering projection images. However, the projection image acquisition process requires rotating the sample contained in a capillary glass held by a complicated sample rotation stage, limiting the volumetric imaging speed, and inhibiting the study of living samples. Here, we report a tilt-angle stimulated Raman projection tomography (TSPRT) system which acquires angle-dependent projection images by utilizing tilt-angle beams to image the sample from different azimuth angles sequentially. The TSRPT system, which is free of sample rotation, enables rapid scanning of different views by a tailor-designed four-galvo-mirror scanning system. We present the design of the optical system, the theory, and calibration procedure for chemical tomographic reconstruction. 3D vibrational images of polystyrene beads and C. elegans are demonstrated in the C-H vibrational region. 

preprint, currently in review 

Miniature handheld imaging devices and endoscopes based on coherent Raman scattering are promising for label-free in vivo optical diagnosis. Toward the development of these small-scale systems, a challenge arises from the design and fabrication of achromatic and high-end miniature optical components for both pump and Stokes laser wavelengths. Here, we report a metasurface converting a low-cost plano–convex lens into a water-immersion, nearly diffraction-limited and achromatic lens. The metasurface comprising amorphous silicon nanopillars is designed in a way that all incident rays arrive at the focus with the same phase and group delay, leading to corrections of monochromatic and chromatic aberrations of the refractive lens, respectively. Compared to the case without the metasurface, the hybrid metasurface-refractive lens has higher Strehl ratios than the plano–convex lens and a tighter depth of focus. The hybrid metasurface-refractive lens is utilized in spectroscopic stimulated Raman scattering and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering imaging for the differentiation of two different polymer microbeads. Subsequently, the hybrid metalens is harnessed for volumetric coherent Raman scattering imaging of bead and tissue samples. Finally, we discuss possible approaches to integrate such hybrid metalens in a miniature scanning system for label-free coherent Raman scattering endoscopes. 

Operable under ambient light and providing chemical selectivity, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy opens a new window for imaging molecular events on a human subject, such as filtration of topical drugs through the skin. A typical approach for volumetric SRS imaging is through piezo scanning of an objective lens, which often disturbs the sample and offers a low axial scan rate. To address these challenges, we have developed a deformable mirror-based remote-focusing SRS microscope, which not only enables high-quality volumetric chemical imaging without mechanical scanning of the objective but also corrects the system aberrations simultaneously. Using the remote-focusing SRS microscope, we performed volumetric chemical imaging of living cells and captured in real time the dynamic diffusion of topical chemicals into human sweat pores. 

Abstract A bidirectional brain interface with both “write” and “read” functions can be an important tool for fundamental studies and potential clinical treatments for neurological diseases. Herein, a miniaturized multifunctional fiber‐based optoacoustic emitter (mFOE) is reported thatintegrates simultaneous optoacoustic stimulation for “write” and electrophysiology recording of neural circuits for “read”. Because of the intrinsic ability of neurons to respond to acoustic wave, there is no requirement of the viral transfection. The orthogonality between optoacoustic waves and electrical field provides a solution to avoid the interference between electrical stimulation and recording. The stimulation function of the mFOE is first validated in cultured ratcortical neurons using calcium imaging. In vivo application of mFOE for successful simultaneous optoacoustic stimulation and electrical recording of brain activities is confirmed in mouse hippocampus in both acute and chronical applications up to 1 month. Minor brain tissue damage is confirmed after these applications. The capability of simultaneous neural stimulation and recording enabled by mFOE opens up new possibilities for the investigation of neural circuits and brings new insights into the study of ultrasound neurostimulation.