Xfold slides for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy imaging

Abstract

Coherent anti-Stoke’s Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy has been widely used as a labelfree tool for visualizing lipids in biological samples. The major challenge in CARS microscopy is to increase the detection sensitivity to nanomolar levels or visualizing the plasma membrane. Surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SECARS) has been demonstrated to increase the sensitivity using nanostructured metal surfaces [1]. However, the previous attempts to develop for suitable SECARS substrates resulted in broad visible two-photon excited luminescence (TPEL) due to the intrinsic emission of the metal surfaces. The TPEL signal causes a disturbing background in CARS imaging. Another challenge of the SECARS substrate is the absorption of electromagnetic energy and thermal damage of the nanostructures.