Beyond the visible | Super-resolution Field-Resolved Stimulated Raman Microscopy

Summary
The next generation of biological imaging will be a movement towards super-resolution, label-free approaches to visualize subcellular structures in a nonperturbative, non-invasive manner. In this proposal, a super-resolution, label-free, Raman microscope based on a novel, ambient-air, field-detector is envisioned to fulfil the requirements of these exciting prospects, essential for biomedical advancements. By employing bright, ultra-broadband, femtosecond electromagnetic forces at petahertz frequencies, Raman molecular vibrations are driven coherently and efficiently. Temporal confinement of the excitation pulses to a few femtoseconds allows for temporal filtering of the molecular response and therefore, a high signal-to-noise ratio, and high detection sensitivity is achieved. The same laser provides optical pulses with ultrashort duration to directly access and detects the field oscillations of the emitted Raman molecular response. This novel detection metrology allows for simultaneous and broadband detection of the entire molecular fingerprint and beyond with high dynamic range and sensitivity down to quantum shot noise. Most importantly, due to the near-field imaging in this scheme super-resolution, chemically sensitive images can be constructed without the need for labeling molecules or using structured light. The advanced near-infrared femtosecond source in combination with the novel field detection technology will enable acquiring the complete fingerprint of complex biological molecules non-invasively with a spatial resolution and sensitivity exceeding that of any previously demonstrated method, for the first time. The next generation of laser-driven biological microscopy requires a dramatic leap in sensitivity, dynamic range, spatial resolution, and non-invasiveness; this proposal represents a coherent, achievable approach to fulfilling this need opening up new horizons for fundamental studies in science to see beyond the visible.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101125670
Start date: 01-01-2025
End date: 31-12-2029
Total budget - Public funding: 1 996 250,00 Euro - 1 996 250,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

The next generation of biological imaging will be a movement towards super-resolution, label-free approaches to visualize subcellular structures in a nonperturbative, non-invasive manner. In this proposal, a super-resolution, label-free, Raman microscope based on a novel, ambient-air, field-detector is envisioned to fulfil the requirements of these exciting prospects, essential for biomedical advancements. By employing bright, ultra-broadband, femtosecond electromagnetic forces at petahertz frequencies, Raman molecular vibrations are driven coherently and efficiently. Temporal confinement of the excitation pulses to a few femtoseconds allows for temporal filtering of the molecular response and therefore, a high signal-to-noise ratio, and high detection sensitivity is achieved. The same laser provides optical pulses with ultrashort duration to directly access and detects the field oscillations of the emitted Raman molecular response. This novel detection metrology allows for simultaneous and broadband detection of the entire molecular fingerprint and beyond with high dynamic range and sensitivity down to quantum shot noise. Most importantly, due to the near-field imaging in this scheme super-resolution, chemically sensitive images can be constructed without the need for labeling molecules or using structured light. The advanced near-infrared femtosecond source in combination with the novel field detection technology will enable acquiring the complete fingerprint of complex biological molecules non-invasively with a spatial resolution and sensitivity exceeding that of any previously demonstrated method, for the first time. The next generation of laser-driven biological microscopy requires a dramatic leap in sensitivity, dynamic range, spatial resolution, and non-invasiveness; this proposal represents a coherent, achievable approach to fulfilling this need opening up new horizons for fundamental studies in science to see beyond the visible.

Status

SIGNED

Call topic

ERC-2023-COG

Update Date

22-11-2024
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Horizon Europe
HORIZON.1 Excellent Science
HORIZON.1.1 European Research Council (ERC)
HORIZON.1.1.0 Cross-cutting call topics
ERC-2023-COG ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS
HORIZON.1.1.1 Frontier science
ERC-2023-COG ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS