Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yujia Zhang, Minjian Lu, Zhendong Zhu, Yan Li, Haoyun Wei
Summary: Based on the enhancement factor of broadband SECARS excitation process, a novel Fano resonance plasmonic nanostructure is studied, which shows significant enhancement effect in a wide wavenumber region, covering most of the fingerprint region. This geometrically-tunable Fano plasmonic nanostructure provides a way to realize broadband-enhanced CARS, with potentials in single-molecular monitoring and high-selectivity biochemical detection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lei Ouyang, Tobias Meyer-Zedler, Kel-Meng See, Wei-Liang Chen, Fan-Cheng Lin, Denis Akimov, Sadaf Ehtesabi, Martin Richter, Michael Schmitt, Yu-Ming Chang, Stefanie Grafe, Jurgen Popp, Jer-Shing Huang
Summary: This study investigates the enhancement effect of plasmonic gratings in nonlinear surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SECARS) using the platform of plasmonic Doppler grating (PDG). The PDGs spatially separate the input and output enhancement, allowing for observation and comparison of overall enhancement from different combinations of individual input and output beams. The results indicate that enhancement in the pump and anti-Stokes beams plays a more critical role in the overall enhancement than that in the Stokes beam.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cla Duri Tschannen, Martin Frimmer, Thiago L. Vasconcelos, Lei Shi, Thomas Pichler, Lukas Novotny
Summary: This paper demonstrates the use of tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) to enhance the Raman response of a single carbyne chain. The study observes a significant increase in scattering and discusses the role of coherent Stokes-anti-Stokes scattering mediated by an excited phonon. The resonance effects and laser-induced heating are also discussed, along with potential opportunities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shamsul Abedin, Yong Li, Abid Anjum Sifat, Khokan Roy, Eric O. Potma
Summary: This study addresses the challenges of stability and reproducibility in surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SE-CARS) by using nanoantennas made from high-index dielectric particles. The experimental results demonstrate enhanced molecular CARS signals observed at Si nanoantennas, which offer improved thermal stability compared to metallic counterparts.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Georgi Petrov, Rajan Arora, Vladoslav V. Yakovlev
Summary: The study demonstrated chemical imaging of calcifications in tissues using long wavelength excitation, with imaging and analysis performed 2 mm below the skin level in a model system. Applications to breast cancer diagnostics and imaging were discussed, along with methods to extend depth and improve spatial resolution in chemical imaging.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cheng Zong, Ran Cheng, Fukai Chen, Peng Lin, Meng Zhang, Zhicong Chen, Chuan Li, Chen Yang, Ji-Xin Cheng
Summary: This study introduces a wide-field surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (WISE-CARS) microscope for monitoring nanotags in live cells and label-free detection of metabolic molecules. The microscope achieves high imaging speed and resolution for spectral focusing of femtosecond lasers, allowing for rapid hyperspectral imaging of over 1 million Raman spectra.
Article
Thermodynamics
Daniel R. Richardson, Sean P. Kearney, Daniel R. Guildenbecher
Summary: Accurate measurement of post-detonation fireball temperatures is crucial for understanding device performance. In this study, a hybrid fs-ps CARS instrument was used to measure temperatures in the fireball of a commercial detonator. Challenges such as light scattering from particulate matter and solid fragments were addressed using a new polarization scheme.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMBUSTION INSTITUTE
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Nao Hirai, Yasuhiro Maeda, Kosuke Hashimoto, Bibin B. Andriana, Hiroko Matsuyoshi, Hidetoshi Sato
Summary: The study introduces a new type of CARS instrument with a double-wavelength-emission, background-free, electronically tuned Ti:sapphire laser (DW-ETL), which can provide stable CARS spectra for biological applications by controlling each laser pulse emission throughout the fingerprint region.
APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Optics
Xiaofeng Liu, Ying Wang, Shuang Li, Haixin Wang, Wenhui Fang, Nan Gong, Chenglin Sun, Zhiwei Men
Summary: In this study, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of deuteroxide was investigated using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm. The results showed that by adjusting various parameters, the intensity and energy conversion efficiency of Raman scattering could be effectively improved. This has important implications for the development of tunable Raman lasers.
OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Danni Chen, Zhengyi Liu, Shuanglong Liu, Hanben Niu
Summary: This article demonstrates three-color ultrabroadband CARS spectroscopy based on a single fiber laser. A supercontinuum with a wide bandwidth of 780-1240 nm is generated in a simple manner, allowing real-time capture of CARS signals in most of the fingerprint range.
OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Runfeng Li, Ruijun Lan, Dashan Dong, Hong Yang, Kebin Shi
Summary: The Bessel beam CARS spectroscopic method enhances spectral fidelity and signal-to-noise ratio in a turbulent environment, improving the measurement accuracy.
APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Li Jian-Kang, Li Rui
Summary: Plasma nanostructures can serve as substrates for spectroscopic detection and identification of individual molecules by combining different excitation wavelengths and resonance wavelengths. The use of charge transfer plasma enhances tunability of structural resonance and promotes the development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
ACTA PHYSICA SINICA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hendrik Fueser, Christian Pilger, Cihang Kong, Thomas Huser, Walter Traunspurger
Summary: This study found that exposure of C. elegans to microplastic particles can alter lipid storage distribution. When exposed to smaller microplastics, the number and size of lipid droplets in the nematode increased, as well as the area of the nematode covered by lipids. Cultivating the nematodes under restricted food conditions also replicated the altered lipid storage, suggesting that food deprivation induced by microplastic exposure could be a contributing factor. This study demonstrates the usefulness of CARS microscopy in investigating the effects of microplastics on individual organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Damien Boildieu, Tiffany Guerenne-Del Ben, Ludovic Duponchel, Vincent Sol, Jean-Michel Petit, Eric Champion, Hideaki Kano, David Helbert, Amandine Magnaudeix, Philippe Leproux, Philippe Carre
Summary: In this study, the combination of MCARS imaging technique with unsupervised data analysis based on multivariate curve resolution (MCR) is introduced for hyperspectral cell imaging and segmentation. The robustness, applicability, and sensitivity of this method are evaluated through experiments, and imaging results of different cell types and states are presented.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Quantum Science & Technology
Jabir Chathanathil, Dmitry Budker, Svetlana A. Malinovskaya
Summary: A chirped-pulse quantum control scheme called C-CARS is proposed for enhancing the vibrational coherence in molecules during coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy. The scheme involves chirping of the pump, Stokes, and probe pulses in the four-wave mixing process of CARS to satisfy the conditions of adiabatic passage. By utilizing the rotating wave approximation and adiabatic elimination of excited state manifold, the four-level model system is simplified into a "super-effective" two-level system. It is demonstrated that the excitation selectivity of vibrational degrees of freedom can be controlled by adjusting the spectral chirp rate of the pulses. The robustness, spectral selectivity, and adiabatic nature of this method make it advantageous for improving CARS spectroscopy for sensing, imaging, and detection purposes.
QUANTUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Artem Pliss, Andrey N. Kuzmin, Paras N. Prasad, Supriya D. Mahajan
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause neurological conditions by invading the nervous system. The dysfunction of mitochondria in brain microglia cells is believed to play a role in the neuropathology of SARS-CoV-2. Using Raman microspectrometry, researchers found that infected microglia cells exhibited reduced mtDNA content and increased phospholipid saturation levels in mitochondria. These changes may be linked to increased synthesis of reactive oxygen species in the organelles.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bohdan Senyuk, Richmond E. Adufu, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Colloidal particles in liquid crystals induce topological defects and distortions, which can be manipulated by electric fields to achieve colloidal locomotion.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jin-Sheng Wu, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Liquid crystals, widely used in displays and electro-optics, have the ability to reveal the structure and behavior of various field configurations. Chiral nematic liquid crystals, in particular, provide valuable insights into the study of fractional and integer two-dimensional structures, as well as three-dimensionally localized structures, and show close analogies with other condensed matter systems.
LIQUID CRYSTALS REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Guilhem Poy, Andrew J. Hess, Andrew J. Seracuse, Michael Paul, Slobodan Zumer, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Researchers demonstrate systems in which optical solitons coexist and interact with topological solitonic structures localized in the molecular alignment field of a soft birefringent medium. The findings could lead to solitonic tractor beams and new light-matter self-patterning phenomena.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jung-Shen B. Tai, Jin-Sheng Wu, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Researchers have discovered stable Hopf solitons in a liquid crystal material, which are particle-like field distortions with nontrivial topology in three dimensions. By tuning the energetic costs of different gradient components in the molecular alignment field, the stability of Hopf solitons is enhanced. Electric fields allow for the inter-transformation of Hopf solitons between different geometric embodiments and their three-dimensional hopping-like dynamics in response to electric pulses.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bohdan Senyuk, Cuiling Meng, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: This article highlights recent developments in the design, fabrication, and self-assembly of nematic colloidal particles, discussing their physical behaviors at the mesoscale and the capabilities of preprogramming their behavior. The article also discusses recent progress in particle-induced defects, elastic multipoles, self-assembly, and dynamics, as well as open issues and challenges in this research field.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Souvik Ghosh, Ivan Smalyukh
Summary: This paper presents the development of switchable silver colloids (SSCs) for controlling solar gain. By manipulating the orientations of plasmonic silver nanoplates dispersed in a liquid crystal, the near-infrared-based solar gain can be switched in sub-second timescales. Thin films made from such nanoplate dispersions show electrically controlled infrared-based solar gain while retaining high transparency.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cuiling Meng, Jin-Sheng Wu, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Liquid crystals can robustly steer beams of light with optical axis patterns of singular vortex lines, which can be reconfigured by external stimuli. The periodic arrays of vortices obtained by photo-patterning enable vortex-mediated fission of optical solitons, resulting in lightning-like propagation patterns. Pre-designed patterns and spatial trajectories of vortex lines in high-birefringence liquid crystals can steer light into closed loops or even knots. Liquid crystals with vortex lattices have potential applications in beam steering, telecommunications, virtual reality, and anticounterfeiting, as well as providing a model system for studying light-defect interactions including the light-steering action of cosmic strings.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Hanqing Zhao, Jung-Shen B. Tai, Jin-Sheng Wu, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: We demonstrate the co-self-assembly of twist domain walls and vortices to form localized topological objects called 'mobiusons' in a nonpolar chiral liquid crystal system. These mobiusons exhibit folding-dependent rotational and translational motions, as well as controlled topological cargo-carrying abilities. Our findings may contribute to the development of topology-enabled light-steering designs.
Article
Optics
Soumik Siddhanta, Andrey N. Kuzmin, Artem Pliss, Alexander S. Baev, Sunil K. Khare, Pramit K. Chowdhury, Ashok K. Ganguli, Paras N. Prasad
Summary: This review provides a historical account of the evolution of Raman spectroscopy and discusses advancements that have allowed for the detection of single molecules and non-invasive analysis of organelles. It addresses the need for a consolidated overview of Raman spectroscopy's broad applications in biosensing, from fundamental biology to disease identification, drug screening, and quality control in food and agriculture. The review also highlights the convergence of Raman spectroscopy with bioanalysis, agriculture, and food quality control, and explores the potential of combining advanced spectroscopy with machine-learning algorithms to establish a new field known as Ramanomics. Future needs and opportunities are also discussed.
ADVANCES IN OPTICS AND PHOTONICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Eldho Abraham, Vladyslav Cherpak, Bohdan Senyuk, Jan Bart ten Hove, Taewoo Lee, Qingkun Liu, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Buildings consume approximately 40% of the world's energy in order to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. The least efficient part of a building's envelope in terms of isolating the interior from outdoor temperatures is the windows and skylights. However, researchers have developed highly transparent cellulose aerogels that have better light transmission, lower haze, and lower thermal conductivity than glass. These lightweight materials can be used to improve energy efficiency in insulating glass units, skylights, daylighting, and facade glazing, potentially enhancing the role of glazing in building envelopes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Souvik Ghosh, Eldho Abraham, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Glazing products with tunable optical properties have great potential for energy efficiency and privacy features. A new approach called Haze-Switch, based on a gel material and liquid crystal, allows for low-voltage tuning of haze coefficient, meeting the stringent requirements for window products.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanqing Zhao, Boris A. Malomed, Ivan I. Smalyukh
Summary: Zhao et al. have experimentally created and theoretically modeled soliton macromolecules called polyskyrmionomers, which resemble polymers and have strong inter-soliton binding similar to covalent chemical bonds. These new materials have potential applications in data storage and electro-optics.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Micah Raab, Artiom Skripka, Julia Bulmahn, Artem Pliss, Andrey Kuzmin, Fiorenzo Vetrone, Paras Prasad
Summary: In this study, we synthesized multi-shell rare-earth doped nanoparticles and achieved independent control in NIR imaging and therapeutic action by using different excitation wavelengths. By generating downshifting emission upon 800 nm excitation and upconversion emission upon 980 nm irradiation, high-contrast NIR imaging in NIR-IIb of optical transparency and selective activation of the surface-bound photosensitizer RB for safer and more specific therapy were achieved.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carolyn E. Lubner, Jacob H. Artz, David W. Mulder, Aisha Oza, Rachel J. Ward, S. Garrett Williams, Anne K. Jones, John W. Peters, Ivan I. Smalyukh, Vivek S. Bharadwaj, Paul W. King
Summary: Redox cofactors play a crucial role in mediating electron transfer in biological enzymes. One example is the [FeFe]-hydrogenase I from Clostridium acetobutylicum, which utilizes a terminal, non-canonical, His-coordinated, [4Fe-4S] cluster to mediate interfacial electron transfer. Substituting His for Cys in this enzyme results in changes in electron transfer properties and reactivity, demonstrating the importance of His coordination in controlling electron exchange.
