I-Corps: Assisting in the commercialization of the Atoptix fiber based holographic CARS microscope

描述(申请人提供)：相干拉曼显微镜已经成为一种重要的无标记成像手段，它可以对细胞和组织进行长时间的非侵入性成像。然而，目前的相干拉曼系统需要扫描才能获得三维图像，这阻碍了对快速动态生物过程的研究。此外，相干拉曼成像系统通常依赖复杂而昂贵的激光光源，这限制了它们的可及性。在这项第一阶段SBIR研究中，Atoptix，LLC。提出开发一种基于光纤的全息相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射(CARS)显微镜，以克服扫描和系统复杂性的这些限制。关键的创新，CARS全息术，通过记录数字CARS全息图来记录反斯托克斯图像信号的幅度和相位，融合了CARS光谱和全息成像的独特能力。因此，CARS全息术可以执行无标签、无需扫描的3D成像，并由于其零差检测性质而比传统CARS具有更高的灵敏度。此外，建议的系统将使用基于光纤激光器的坚固耐用的全包式激励系统，该系统克服了现有相干拉曼系统的复杂性和高成本。为了完成这项工作，Atoptix将与宾夕法尼亚州立大学的研究人员合作，后者是汽车全息术的发明者。具体目标1是开发一种同步双色超快光纤激光系统，该系统将提供CARS泵浦/探测和斯托克斯激发源。具体目标二是研制全息CARS显微镜样机。该系统将进行特色化和优化，以评估先进原型系统第二阶段开发的性能和能力。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Coherent Raman microscopy has emerged as an important label-free imaging modality, which can enable long duration non-invasive imaging of cells and tissues. However, current coherent Raman systems require scanning to obtain three-dimensional images, hindering studies of rapid dynamic biological processes. Additionally, coherent Raman imaging systems usually rely on complex and expensive laser sources, which limit their accessibility. In this Phase I SBIR study, Atoptix, LLC. proposes to develop a fiber-based holographic coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope to overcome these limitations of scanning and system complexity. The key innovation, CARS holography, merges the unique capabilities of CARS spectroscopy and holographic imaging by recording of a digital CARS hologram which captures both the amplitude and the phase of an anti-Stokes image signal. CARS holography can thus perform label-free, 3D imaging without scanning, and have an improved sensitivity over conventional CARS due to its homodyne detection nature. Furthermore, the proposed system will use a robust, turn-key fiber laser based excitation system which overcomes the complexities and high costs associated with existing coherent Raman systems. To perform this work, Atoptix will collaborate with Penn State University researchers who are the inventors of CARS holography. Specific Aim 1 is to develop a synchronized two-color ultrafast fiber laser system that will provide the CARS pump/probe and Stokes excitation sources. Specific Aim 2 is to develop the prototype holographic CARS microscope. The system will be characterized and optimized to assess performance and capability for Phase II development of an advanced prototype system.