Ultra-multiplex CARS spectroscopic imaging with 1-millisecond pixel dwell time

Abstract

We performed ultra-multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopic imaging by using a CCD camera with a fast readout time (<1 ms).The ultra-multiplex CARS signal of a polystyrene bead was detected in the range 600-3600 cm -1 with resolution <10 cm -1 .The pixel dwell time was approximately 1 ms, which was limited by the readout time of the CCD camera rather than the exposure time.CARS images of 161 × 161 pixels were obtained of the polymer beads with a total data-acquisition time of approximately 28 s even with the use of a cost-effective microchip laser source.Label-free and ultra-multiplex (18 colors) imaging of living cells was also performed with an effective exposure time of 1.8 ms based on the molecular fingerprint as well as the C-H and O-H stretching vibrational modes using a master oscillator fiber amplifier laser source.