Project Code: PN-III-P1-1.1.-TE-2016-1756
Contract Number: 103/2018
Project Title: Quantitative label-free second harmonic generation microscopy at the nanoscale
Duration: 24 months (02/05/2018–30/04/2020)
Grant value: 450000 RON (~100000 Euro)
Abstract:
Imaging samples by polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy (PSHG) provides quantitative insights in a label-free manner. PSHG goes beyond simple intensity-based imaging by adding the incident laser polarization component and applying different quantitative metrics. In the case of the current established approaches, although the organization maps of SHG generating features may be computed pixel-by-pixel, the result is still diffraction limited as the input images for which the metrics is applied are diffraction limited. Starting from the NANOSHG team’s recent proposed methodology for improved quantification of collagen anisotropy, their results on imaging silicon carbide nonlinear optical microscopy techniques and on their previous experience in super-resolution microscopy development and multi-modal integration, NANOSHG proposes to establish a multidisciplinary team of young research scientists to bring SHG imaging and quantitative analysis beyond the diffraction limit. The key novelty of the project is the combination of polarization-resolved SHG, tip-enhanced near-field optical microscopy and improved metrics for the quantitative analysis of the images.
NANOSHG thus breaks away from the diffraction limited PSHG microscopy and offers a methodology that will image samples at sub-wavelength resolution without sacrificing the ease, speed and strength of conventional PSHG microscopy. The main focus of attention will be placed on using the developed technique for two application directions: quantitative assessment of collagen organization for differentiation of healthy and dysplastic areas on tissue samples and quantitative imaging of semiconductor samples (e.g. silicon carbide) for nanoscale identification of structural defects.
Objectives:
The project proposes to bring second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging and analysis beyond
the diffraction limit, by combining polarization-resolved SHG and tip-enhanced near-field optical
microscopy. The goal of NANOSHG is to apply the developed imaging methodology for the
assessment of collagen organization in tissue samples and for defect identification in semiconductors (e.g. silicon carbide) with tens of nanometers optical resolution.
Funding Agency :
Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI)