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Ho RJ, Yeh K, Liu YT, Bhargava R. Sensitive Discrete Frequency Mid-Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy Using Digitally Referenced Detection. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8990-8998. [PMID: 38771296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Broadly tunable mid-infrared (IR) lasers, including quantum cascade lasers (QCL), are an asset for vibrational spectroscopy wherein high-intensity, coherent illumination can target specific spectral bands for rapid, direct chemical detection with microscopic localization. These emerging spectrometers are capable of high measurement throughputs with large detector signals from the high-intensity lasers and fast detection speeds as short as a single laser pulse, challenging the decades old benchmarks of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. However, noise in QCL emissions limits the feasible acquisition time for high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data. Here, we present an implementation that is broadly compatible with many laser-based spectrometer and microscope designs to address these limitations by leveraging high-speed digitizers and dual detectors to digitally reference each pulse individually. Digitally referenced detection (DRD) is shown to improve measurement sensitivity, with broad spectral indifference, regardless of imbalance due to dissimilarities among system designs or component manufacturers. We incorporated DRD into existing instruments and demonstrated its generalizability: a spectrometer with a 10-fold reduction in spectral noise, a microscope with reduced pixel dwell times to as low as 1 pulse while maintaining SNR normally achieved when operating 8-fold slower, and finally, a spectrometer to measure vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) with a ∼ 4-fold reduction in scan times. The approach not only proves versatile and effective but can also be tailored for specific applications with minimal hardware changes, positioning it as a simple and promising module for spectrometer designs using lasers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Jing Ho
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Kevin Yeh
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Yen-Ting Liu
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Rohit Bhargava
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Cai Y, Chen Y, Dorfman K, Xin X, Wang X, Huang K, Wu E. Mid-infrared single-photon upconversion spectroscopy enabled by nonlocal wavelength-to-time mapping. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl3503. [PMID: 38640245 PMCID: PMC11029809 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl3503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasensitive spectroscopy is an essential component in mid-infrared (MIR) technology. However, the drawbacks of MIR detectors pose challenges to robust MIR spectroscopy at the single-photon level. We propose an MIR single-photon frequency upconversion spectroscopy nonlocally mapping the MIR information to the time domain. Broadband MIR photons from spontaneous parametric downconversion are frequency-upconverted to the near-infrared band with quantum correlation preservation. Via the group delay of fiber, the MIR spectral information within a 1.18-micrometer bandwidth of 2.76 to 3.94 micrometers is then successfully projected to arrival times of correlated photon pairs. Under the conditions of 6.4 × 106 photons per second illumination, the transmission spectra of polymers with single-photon sensitivity are demonstrated using single-pixel detectors. The developed approach circumvents scanning and frequency selection instability, which stands out for its inherent compatibility for evolving environments and scalability for various wavelengths. Because of its high sensitivity and robustness, characterization of biochemical samples and weak measurement of quantum systems are possible to foresee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Konstantin Dorfman
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Center for Theoretical Physics and School of Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Himalayan Institute for Advanced Study, Unit of Gopinath Seva Foundation, MIG 38, Avas Vikas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201, India
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Xiaoning Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - E Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing 401120, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
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Khan T, John B, Niemann R, Paarmann A, Wolf M, Thämer M. Compact oblique-incidence nonlinear widefield microscopy with paired-pixel balanced imaging. OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 31:28792-28804. [PMID: 37710691 DOI: 10.1364/oe.495903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Nonlinear (vibrational) microscopy has emerged as a successful tool for the investigation of molecular systems as it combines label-free chemical characterization with spatial resolution on the sub-micron scale. In addition to the molecular recognition, the physics of the nonlinear interactions allows in principle to obtain structural information on the molecular level such as molecular orientations. Due to technical limitations such as the relatively complex imaging geometry with the required oblique sample irradiation and insufficient sensitivity of the instrument this detailed molecular information is typically not accessible using widefield imaging. Here, we present, what we believe to be, a new microscope design that addresses both challenges. We introduce a simplified imaging geometry that enables the measurement of distortion-free widefield images with free space oblique sample irradiation achieving high spatial resolution (∼1 µm). Furthermore, we present a method based on a paired-pixel balanced detection system for sensitivity improvement. With this technique, we demonstrate a substantial enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio of up to a factor of 10. While both experimental concepts presented in this work are very general and can, in principle, be applied to various microscopy techniques, we demonstrate their performance for the specific case of heterodyned, sum frequency generation (SFG) microscopy.
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Changenet P, Hache F. Artifact-free balanced detection for the measurement of circular dichroism with a sub-picosecond time resolution. OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 31:21296-21310. [PMID: 37381232 DOI: 10.1364/oe.489468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Here we present the development of a subpicosecond spectropolarimeter enabling high sensitivity balanced detection of time-resolved circular dichroism (TRCD) signals from chiral sample in solution. The signals are measured with a conventional femtosecond pump-probe set-up using the combination of a quarter-waveplate and a Wollaston prism. This simple and robust method allows access to TRCD signals with improved signal-to-noise ratio and very short acquisition times. We provide a theoretical analysis of the artifacts of such detection geometry and the strategy to eliminate them. We illustrate the potential of this new detection with the study of the [Ru(phen)3]·2PF6 complexes in acetonitrile.
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Ullah R, Faisal M, Ullah R. Polarimetric and fluorescence spectroscopic based classification of mono and disaccharide solutions. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 293:122490. [PMID: 36801738 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.122490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we demonstrate the potential application of polarimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy for classifying mono and disaccharides (sugar) both qualitatively and quantitatively. A phase lock-in rotating analyzer (PLRA) polarimeter has been designed and developed for real time quantification of sugar concentration in a solution. Polarization rotation in the form of phase shift in sinusoidal photovoltages of reference and sample beams occurred when incident on the two spatially distinct photodetectors. Monosaccharide (fructose and glucose) and disaccharide (sucrose) have been quantitatively determined with sensitivities of 122.06 deg ml g-1, 272.84 deg ml g-1 and 163.41 deg ml g-1 respectively. Calibration equations have been obtained from the respective fitting functions to estimate the concentration of each individual dissolved in deionized (DI) water. In comparison to the predicted results, the absolute average errors of 1.47 %, 1.63 % and 1.71 % are calculated for the readings of sucrose, glucose and fructose, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of the PLRA polarimeter has been compared with fluorescence emission results acquired from the same set of samples. The Limit of detections (LODs) attained from both experimental setups are comparable for mono and disaccharides. A linear detection response is observed by both polarimeter and fluorescence spectrometer in a wide range 0-0.28 g/ml of sugar. These results depict that PLRA polarimeter is novel, remote, precise and cost-effective for quantitative determination of optically active ingredient in the host solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- National Institute of Lasers and Optronics College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nilore, Islamabad 45650, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Faisal
- National Institute of Lasers and Optronics College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nilore, Islamabad 45650, Pakistan
| | - Rahat Ullah
- National Institute of Lasers and Optronics College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nilore, Islamabad 45650, Pakistan.
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Dual-comb optical activity spectroscopy for the analysis of vibrational optical activity induced by external magnetic field. Nat Commun 2023; 14:883. [PMID: 36797264 PMCID: PMC9935641 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36509-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Optical activity (OA) spectroscopy is a powerful tool to characterize molecular chirality, explore the stereo-specific structure and study the solution-state conformation of biomolecules, which is widely utilized in the fields of molecular chirality, pharmaceutics and analytical chemistry. Due to the considerably weak effect, OA spectral analysis has high demands on measurement speed and sensitivity, especially for organic biomolecules. Moreover, gas-phase OA measurements require higher resolution to resolve Doppler-limited profiles. Here, we show the unmatched potential of dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) in magnetic optical activity spectroscopy (MOAS) of gas-phase molecules with the resolution of hundred-MHz level and the high-speed measurement of sub-millisecond level. As a demonstration, we achieved the rapid, high-precision and high-resolution MOAS measurement of the nitrogen dioxide [Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text] band and the nitric oxide overtone band, which can be used to analyze fine structure of molecules. Besides, the preliminary demonstration of liquid-phase chiroptical activity (as weak as 10-5) has been achieved with several seconds of sampling time, which could become a routine approach enabling ultrafast dynamics analysis of chiral structural conformations.
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Ayuso D, Ordonez AF, Smirnova O. Ultrafast chirality: the road to efficient chiral measurements. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:26962-26991. [PMID: 36342056 PMCID: PMC9673685 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01009g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Today we are witnessing the electric-dipole revolution in chiral measurements. Here we reflect on its lessons and outcomes, such as the perspective on chiral measurements using the complementary principles of "chiral reagent" and "chiral observer", the hierarchy of scalar, vectorial and tensorial enantio-sensitive observables, the new properties of the chiro-optical response in the ultrafast and non-linear domains, and the geometrical magnetism associated with the chiral response in photoionization. The electric-dipole revolution is a landmark event. It has opened routes to extremely efficient enantio-discrimination with a family of new methods. These methods are governed by the same principles but work in vastly different regimes - from microwaves to optical light; they address all molecular degrees of freedom - electronic, vibrational and rotational, and use flexible detection schemes, i.e. detecting photons or electrons, making them applicable to different chiral phases, from gases to liquids to amorphous solids. The electric-dipole revolution has also enabled enantio-sensitive manipulation of chiral molecules with light. This manipulation includes exciting and controlling ultrafast helical currents in vibronic states of chiral molecules, enantio-sensitive control of populations in electronic, vibronic and rotational molecular states, and opens the way to efficient enantio-separation and enantio-sensitive trapping of chiral molecules. The word "perspective" has two meanings: an "outlook" and a "point of view". In this perspective article, we have tried to cover both meanings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ayuso
- Max-Born-Institut, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK.
| | - Andres F Ordonez
- Max-Born-Institut, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Olga Smirnova
- Max-Born-Institut, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
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Khokhlova M, Pisanty E, Patchkovskii S, Smirnova O, Ivanov M. Enantiosensitive steering of free-induction decay. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq1962. [PMID: 35704584 PMCID: PMC9200270 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq1962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chiral discrimination, a problem of vital importance, has recently become an emerging frontier in ultrafast physics, with remarkable progress achieved in multiphoton and strong-field regimes. Rydberg excitations, unavoidable in the strong-field regime and intentional for few-photon processes, arise in all these approaches. Here, we show how to harness this ubiquitous feature by introducing a new phenomenon, enantiosensitive free-induction decay, steered by a tricolor chiral field at a gentle intensity, structured in space and time. We demonstrate theoretically that an excited chiral molecule accumulates an enantiosensitive phase due to perturbative interactions with the tricolor chiral field, resulting in a spatial phase gradient steering the free-induction decay in opposite directions for opposite enantiomers. Our work introduces a general, extremely sensitive, all-optical enantiosensitive detection technique that avoids strong fields and takes full advantage of recent advances in structuring light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Khokhlova
- Max Born Institute, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Physics, King’s College London, WC2R 2LS London, UK
| | - Emilio Pisanty
- Max Born Institute, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Physics, King’s College London, WC2R 2LS London, UK
| | | | - Olga Smirnova
- Max Born Institute, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Misha Ivanov
- Max Born Institute, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Physics, Humboldt University, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK
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