Mid-infrared photoacoustic microscopy: listening to biological molecules

Mid-infrared (MIR) imaging has emerged as a valuable tool to investigate biological samples, such as tissue histological sections and cell cultures, by providing non-destructive chemical specificity without recourse to labels. This project aims to develop and perform the first mid-infrared photoacoustic (PAM) microscopy operating in the 3 - 4.5 μm wavelength range by combing two emerging technologies of gas-filled hollow-core (HC) fiber lasers with high-resolution photoacoustic imaging. The project is constituted of two main parts: i) development of a novel gas-based laser source and ii) use the developed laser to excite PAM signals and perform microscopy in biological samples in the MIR. The results of the project will demonstrate a true breakthrough in the scientific community by reporting the first PAM images in the emerging MIR region.