Femtosecond pump-probe microscopy generates virtual cross-sections in historic artwork

Nondestructive Nonlinear Optical Microscopy Revealed the Blackening Mechanism of Ancient Chinese Jades

Jade is most valued in Chinese culture since ancient times. For unearthed jade artifacts, the alteration color resulting from weathering effects and human activities provides information for cultural heritage conservation, archaeology, and history. Currently, the noninvasive 3-dimensional characterization of jade artifacts with high chemical and spatial resolution remains challenging. In this work, we applied femtosecond pump-probe microscopy and second harmonic generation microscopy techniques to study the black alteration of an ancient jade artifact of the late Spring and Autumn period (546 to 476 BC). The direct cause of the "mercury alteration" phenomena was discovered to be the conversion of metacinnabar from buried cinnabar in the tomb. Furthermore, a 3-dimensional optical reconstruction of the black alteration was achieved, providing a high-resolution method for analyzing the blackening mechanism without the need of sample damage. Our approach opens up new opportunities to extract microscopic spatiochemical information for a broad range of alteration colors in jade artifacts.

Stratigraphy of Fresco Paintings: A New Approach with Photoacoustic and SORS Imaging

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a novel, powerful diagnostic technique utilized in different research fields. In particular, during recent years it has found several applications in Cultural Heritage (CH) diagnostics. PA imaging can be realized in transmittance or epi-illumination (reflectance) modes, obtaining variable levels of contrast and spatial resolution. In this work, we confirmed the applicability of the PA technique as a powerful tool for the imaging of one of the most challenging artwork objects, namely fresco wall paints, to obtain precise stratigraphic profiles in different layered fresco samples. In this regard, we studied some multi-layered fragments of the vault of San Giuseppe Church in Cagliari (1870 AD) and some mock-ups realized specifically to test the potentiality of this technique. Due to complex structures of the frescoes, we used the Spatially Off-set Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) technique to provide complementary information. The experimental results were in agreement for both techniques, even for the three-layered complex structure, and were confirmed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of cross-sections. The combined use of these two techniques proved useful to investigate detailed hidden information on the fresco samples.

Nonlinear Optical Microscopy with Ultralow Quantum Light

Nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy relies on multiple light-matter interactions to provide unique contrast mechanisms and imaging capabilities that are inaccessible to traditional linear optical imaging approaches, making them versatile tools to understand a wide range of complex systems. However, the strong excitation fields that are necessary to drive higher-order optical processes efficiently are often responsible for photobleaching, photodegradation, and interruption in many systems of interest. This is especially true for imaging living biological samples over prolonged periods of time or in accessing intrinsic dynamics of electronic excited-state processes in spatially heterogeneous materials. This perspective outlines some of the key limitations of two NLO imaging modalities implemented in our lab and highlights the unique potential afforded by the quantum properties of light, especially entangled two-photon absorption based NLO spectroscopy and microscopy. We further review some of the recent exciting advances in this emerging filed and highlight some major challenges facing the realization of quantum-light-enabled NLO imaging modalities.

Noninvasive quantitative assessment of collagen degradation in parchments by polarization-resolved SHG microscopy

Nondestructive and noninvasive investigation techniques are highly sought-after to establish the degradation state of historical parchments, which is up to now assessed by thermal techniques that are invasive and destructive. We show that advanced nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy enables quantitative in situ mapping of parchment degradation at the micrometer scale. We introduce two parameters that are sensitive to different degradation stages: the ratio of two-photon excited fluorescence to second harmonic generation (SHG) signals probes severe degradation, while the anisotropy parameter extracted from polarization-resolved SHG measurements is sensitive to early degradation. This approach is first validated by comparing NLO quantitative parameters to thermal measurements on artificially altered contemporary parchments. We then analyze invaluable parchments from the Middle Ages and show that we can map their conservation state and assess the impact of a restoration process. NLO quantitative microscopy should therefore help to identify parchments most at risk and optimize restoration methods.

Multiphoton Excitation Fluorescence Microscopy and Spectroscopic Multianalytical Approach for Characterization of Historical Glass Grisailles

The preservation of the integrity of artworks and cultural heritage items during characterization and conservation operations is of high priority, therefore, the application of non-invasive techniques is commonly suggested and recommended. Nonlinear optical microscopies (NLOM), based on the use of tightly focused pulsed femtosecond lasers, are emerging techniques for structural and chemical analysis of heritage objects with micrometric lateral and axial resolution. The results obtained with a set of optical and spectroscopic techniques for the chemical and physical characterization of grisaille paint layers on historical stained glasses, from different chronologies and provenance in Spain, are presented in this work. Optical behaviour and chemical composition were investigated by NLOM, using a laboratory set-up in the modality of Multi-Photon Excitation Fluorescence (MPEF), and by a multi-analytical combination of Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (FESEM-EDS), Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrosocopy (LIBS) and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF). Thicknesses values of the historical grisaille paint layers measured with MPEF were compared with those retrieved through FESEM, showing significant consistency and agreement. Under proper conditions, analysis via MPEF microscopy avoids the photochemical and physical damage to the examined materials, thus ensuring their preservation. This approach paves the way for future in-situ, non-invasive stratigraphic investigations on cultural heritage objects.

Dual mode standoff imaging spectroscopy documents the painting process of the Lamb of God in the Ghent Altarpiece by J. and H. Van Eyck

The ongoing conservation treatment program of the Ghent Altarpiece by Hubert and Jan Van Eyck, one of the iconic paintings of the west, has revealed that the designs of the paintings were changed several times, first by the original artists, and then during later restorations. The central motif, The Lamb of God, representing Christ, plays an essential iconographic role, and its depiction is important. Because of the prevalence of lead white, it was not possible to visualize the Van Eycks' original underdrawing of the Lamb, their design changes, and the overpaint by later restorers with a single spectral imaging modality. However, by using elemental (x-ray fluorescence) and molecular (infrared reflectance) imaging spectroscopies, followed by analysis of the resulting data cubes, the necessary chemical contrast could be achieved. In this way, the two complementary modalities provided a more complete picture of the development and changes made to the Lamb.

In-Depth Analysis of Egg-Tempera Paint Layers by Multiphoton Excitation Fluorescence Microscopy

The non-invasive depth-resolved imaging of pictorial layers in paintings by means of linear optical techniques represents a challenge in the field of Cultural Heritage (CH). The presence of opaque and/or highly-scattering materials may obstruct the penetration of the radiation probe, thus impeding the visualization of the stratigraphy of paintings. Nonlinear Optical Microscopy (NLOM), which makes use of tightly-focused femtosecond pulsed lasers as illumination sources, is an emerging technique for the analysis of painted objects enabling micrometric three-dimensional (3D) resolution with good penetration capability in semi-transparent materials. In this work, we evaluated the potential of NLOM, specifically in the modality of Multi-Photon Excitation Fluorescence (MPEF), to probe the stratigraphy of egg-tempera mock-up paintings. A multi-analytical non-invasive approach, involving ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy, Vis-NIR photoluminescence, and Laser Induced Fluorescence, yielded key-information for the characterization of the constituting materials and for the interpretation of the nonlinear results. Furthermore, the use of three nonlinear optical systems allowed evaluation of the response of the analyzed paints to different excitation wavelengths and photon doses, which proved useful for the definition of the most suitable measurement conditions. The micrometric thickness of the paint layers, which was not measurable by means of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), was instead assessed by MPEF, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of this nonlinear modality in probing highly-scattering media, while ensuring the minimal photochemical disturbance to the examined materials.

Total Internal Reflection Transient Absorption Microscopy: An Online Detection Method for Microfluidics

Microreactors have garnered widespread attention for their tunability and precise control of synthetic parameters to efficiently produce target species. Despite associated advances, a lack of online detection and optimization methods has stalled the progression of microfluidic reactors. Here we employ and characterize a total internal reflection transient absorption microscopy (TIRTAM) instrument to image excited state dynamics on a continuous flow device. The experiments presented demonstrate the capability to discriminate between different chromophores as well as in differentiating the effects of local chemical environments that a chromophore experiences. This work presents the first such online transient absorption measurements and provides a new direction for the advancement and optimization of chemical reactions in microfluidic devices.

Connecting Femtosecond Transient Absorption Microscopy with Spatially Coregistered Time Averaged Optical Imaging Modalities

Multimodal all-optical imaging involving coregistered femtosecond transient absorption microscopy (TAM), time-integrated photoluminescence (PL), and steady-state modalities such as confocal reflectance and transmission offers an appealing approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex electronic excited-state phenomena in spatially heterogeneous systems. A unique combination of these modalities allows us to unravel not only the competing electronic excited-state dynamical processes but also the underlying morphological information with simultaneous high temporal and spatial resolution. However, correlating the various images obtained from time-resolved and time-independent modalities is generally nontrivial and particularly challenging when the electronic dynamics under study evolve in both time and space. Here, we demonstrate a new approach for rationally correlating time-resolved microscopy with coregistered time-integrated or steady-state modalities. Specifically, our approach involves an extended global lifetime analysis of the time-resolved microscopic data set to separate distinct dynamical processes taking place on commensurate time scales, and the resulting decay-associated amplitude maps (DAAMs) were applied to explore correlations with the images acquired using time-independent modalities. The feasibility of our approach was validated through analyzing a multimodal data set acquired from a thin film of chloride-containing mixed lead halide perovskites (CH₃NH₃PbI_3-xCl_x) using femtosecond transient absorption, time-integrated PL, and confocal reflectance microscopies. Analysis of the results obtained enable us to gain new insight into the complex ultrafast relaxation dynamics in this highly heterogeneous system.

Non-Linear Microscopy: A Well-Established Technique for Biological Applications towards Serving as a Diagnostic Tool for in situ Cultural Heritage Studies

A range of sophisticated imaging techniques have been developed in recent years that can reveal the surface structure of cultural heritage objects with varying precision. In combination with various spectroscopic methods, they allow the study of the chemical composition of the object; thus, conclusions can be drawn about the origin of the object or its initial components, method, or time of creation, authenticity, mechanisms of degradation, and ways of further conservation. At present, different techniques can be applied to a wide range of cultural heritage objects, such as varnishes, paintings, archaeological objects, binding media, paper-based documents, parchments, marbles, frescoes, as well as various objects made of leather, fabric, stone, ceramics and glass, wood, or metal. One of the main needs in the study of cultural heritage (CH) is the transportability/portability of the research equipment, since many pieces under investigation cannot be moved to the laboratory, either because of their size, inseparability (for example, frescoes on walls, mural paintings in caves), or the threat of damage. In this work, we briefly overview the main optical- and laser-based methods used for the study of cultural heritage objects indicating the scope of their application, and we focus on the applications of non-linear microscopic methods for the investigation of a series of artifacts. We also discuss all the requirements for the construction of a prototype transportable non-linear optical system that will be used as a novel diagnostic tool for in situ studies of CH assets. The availability of such a transportable workstation will significantly improve the study and characterization of various types of CH objects and will constitute an extremely useful diagnostic tool for heritage scientists dealing with a variety of investigations.

Transient absorption microscopy: Technological innovations and applications in materials science and life science

Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy has been extensively used in the study of excited state dynamics of various materials and molecules. The transition from TA spectroscopy to TA microscopy, which enables the space-resolved measurement of TA, is opening new investigations toward a more complete picture of excited state dynamics in functional materials, as well as the mapping of crucial biopigments for precision diagnosis. Here, we review the recent instrumental advancement that is pushing the limit of spatial resolution, detection sensitivity, and imaging speed. We further highlight the emerging application in materials science and life science.

Synchronized subharmonic modulation in stimulated emission microscopy

In this work, we have demonstrated a stimulated emission (SE)-based pump-probe microscopy with subharmonic fast gate synchronization, which allows over an order of magnitude improvement in signal-to-noise ratio. Critically, the alternative way of modulation is implemented with the highest possible frequency that follows the lasers' repetition rate. Its working is based on a homemade frequency divider that divides the repetition frequency (76 MHz) of the Ti:sapphire (probe) laser to half of the repetition frequency, 38 MHz, which is used to synchronously drive the pump laser and to provide the reference signal for the ensuing lock-in detection. In this way, SE can be detected with sensitivity reaching the theoretical (shot noise) limits, with a much lower time constant (0.1 ms) for faster image acquisition.

2D-IR spectroscopy for oil paint conservation: Elucidating the water-sensitive structure of zinc carboxylate clusters in ionomers

The molecular structure around metal ions in polymer materials has puzzled researchers for decades. This question has acquired new relevance with the discovery that aged oil paint binders can adopt an ionomer structure when metal ions leached from pigments bind to carboxylate groups on the polymerized oil network. The characteristics of the metal-polymer structure are expected to have important consequences for the rate of oil paint degradation reactions such as metal soap formation and oil hydrolysis. Here, we use two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy to demonstrate that zinc carboxylates formed in paint films containing zinc white pigment adopt either a coordination chain- or an oxo-type cluster structure. Moreover, it was found that the presence of water governs the relative concentration of these two types of zinc carboxylate coordination. The results pave the way for a molecular approach to paintings conservation and the application of 2D-IR spectroscopy to the study of polymer structure.

Visualization of vermilion degradation using pump-probe microscopy

Here, we demonstrate the use of pump-probe microscopy for high-resolution studies of vermilion degradation. Vermilion (mostly α-HgS), an important red pigment used in historical paintings, blackens over time, and metallic Hg and β-HgS have been implicated as possible degradation products. Conventional analysis techniques have trouble differentiating α- and β-HgS with sufficiently high spatial resolution. However, pump-probe microscopy can differentiate metallic mercury, α- and β-HgS, and map each distribution on the microscopic scale. We studied artificial degradation of α-HgS; femtosecond-pulsed laser irradiation induces an irreversible phase shift of α- to β-HgS, in which the initial presence of β-HgS grains can increase the rate of conversion in their vicinity. Continuous ultraviolet exposure instead generates both liquid Hg and β-HgS, with a conversion rate that increases with elevated temperatures. Last, we reveal the presence of β-HgS as a natural degradation product in discolored vermilion layers in a 14th century Italian painting.

Combined photoacoustic imaging to delineate the internal structure of paintings

In this Letter, we present a combined photoacoustic imaging method, based on consecutive excitation using either the fundamental or the second-harmonic wavelength of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser for the stratigraphy of painted artworks. Near-infrared excitation was employed for the imaging of hidden underdrawings in mock-up samples, whereas visible light was used for the thickness mapping of the overlying paint through the detection of photoacoustic signal attenuation. The proposed methodology was proven effective in measuring thick and strongly absorbing layers, which would not be possible by means of other pure optical techniques, while also enabling the visualization of features underneath the painted surface. Such an implementation expands significantly the applicability of the previously presented photoacoustic technique, which was limited to point-measurements, and paves the way for novel application in historical and technical studies, as well as in documenting restoring operations.

Multianalytical non-invasive characterization of phthalocyanine acrylic paints through spectroscopic and non-linear optical techniques

The documentation and monitoring of cleaning operations on paintings benefit from the identification and determination of thickness of the materials to be selectively removed. Since in artworks diagnosis the preservation of the object's integrity is a priority, the application of non-invasive techniques is commonly preferred. In this work, we present the results obtained with a set of non-invasive optical techniques for the chemical and physical characterization of six copper-phthalocyanine (Cu-Pc) acrylic paints. Cu-Pc pigments have been extensively used by artists over the past century, thanks to their properties and low cost of manufacture. They can also be found in historical paintings in the form of overpaints/retouchings, providing evidence of recent conservation treatments. The optical behaviour and the chemical composition of Cu-Pc paints were investigated through a multi-analytical approach involving micro-Raman spectroscopy, Fibre Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS) and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF), enabling the differentiation among pigments and highlighting discrepancies with the composition declared by the manufacturer. The applicability of Non Linear Optical Microscopy (NLOM) for the evaluation of paint layer thickness was assessed using the modality of Multi-photon Excitation Fluorescence (MPEF). Thickness values measured with MPEF were compared with those retrieved through Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), showing significant consistency and paving the way for further non-linear stratigraphic investigations on painting materials.

Correlated Materials Characterization via Multimodal Chemical and Functional Imaging

Multimodal chemical imaging simultaneously offers high-resolution chemical and physical information with nanoscale and, in select cases, atomic resolution. By coupling modalities that collect physical and chemical information, we can address scientific problems in biological systems, battery and fuel cell research, catalysis, pharmaceuticals, photovoltaics, medicine, and many others. The combined systems enable the local correlation of material properties with chemical makeup, making fundamental questions of how chemistry and structure drive functionality approachable. In this Review, we present recent progress and offer a perspective for chemical imaging used to characterize a variety of samples by a number of platforms. Specifically, we present cases of infrared and Raman spectroscopies combined with scanning probe microscopy; optical microscopy and mass spectrometry; nonlinear optical microscopy; and, finally, ion, electron, and probe microscopies with mass spectrometry. We also discuss the challenges associated with the use of data originated by the combinatorial hardware, analysis, and machine learning as well as processing tools necessary for the interpretation of multidimensional data acquired from multimodal studies.

Label-free imaging of hemoglobin degradation and hemosiderin formation in brain tissues with femtosecond pump-probe microscopy

The degradation of hemoglobin in brain tissues results in the deposition of hemosiderin, which is a major form of iron-storage protein and closely related to neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Optical detection of hemosiderin is vitally important yet challenging for the understanding of disease mechanisms, as well as improving surgical resection of brain lesions. Here, we provide the first label-free microscopy study of sensitive hemosiderin detection in both an animal model and human brain tissues. Methods: We applied spectrally and temporally resolved femtosecond pump-probe microscopy, including transient absorption (TA) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) techniques, to differentiate hemoglobin and hemosiderin in brain tissues. The label-free imaging results were compared with Perls' staining to evaluate our method for hemosiderin detection. Results: Significant differences between hemoglobin and hemosiderin transient spectra were discovered. While a strong ground-state bleaching feature of hemoglobin appears in the near-infrared region, hemosiderin demonstrates pure excited-state absorption dynamics, which could be explained by our proposed kinetic model. Furthermore, simultaneous imaging of hemoglobin and hemosiderin can be rapidly achieved in both an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) rat model and human brain surgical specimens, with perfect correlation with Perls' staining. Conclusion: Our results suggest that rapid, label-free detection of hemosiderin in brain tissues could be realized by femtosecond pump-probe microscopy. Our method holds great potential in providing a new tool for intraoperative detection of hemosiderin during brain surgeries.

Rapid and label-free optical detection of individual carbon air pollutant nanoparticulates in biomedical samples

Carbonaceous particle exposure and air pollution in general lead to a multitude of adverse human health effects and pose multiple challenges in terms of exposure, risk and safety assessment. Highly desirable for fast screening are label-free approaches for detecting these particle types in biological or medical context. We report a powerful approach for detecting carbonaceous particles using photothermal pump-probe microscopy, which directly probes their strong light absorption. The principle and reliability of this approach is demonstrated by examining 4 different carbon black (CB) species modeling soot with diameters ranging from 13 to 500 nm. Our results show that the proposed approach is applicable to a large number of CB types as well as black carbon. As the particles show a strong absorption over a wide spectral range as compared to other absorbing species, we can image CB particles almost background free. Our pump-probe approach allows label-free optical detection and unambiguous localization of CB particles in (bio)fluids and 3D cellular environments. In combination with fluorescence microscopy, this method allows for simultaneous colocalization of CB with different cellular components using fluorophores as shown here for human lung fibroblasts. We further demonstrate the versatility of pump-probe detection in a flow cell.

Compressed supercontinuum probe for transient absorption microscopy

Here, we combine three optical advancements to transient absorption microscopy in order to access the photodynamics in systems requiring stringent spatial and temporal resolution criteria. First, a broadband visible probe is generated by a commercial photonic crystal fiber. Second, a spatial light modulator-based pulse shaper is incorporated to reduce the pulse dispersion and improve temporal resolution. Third, 1.4 numerical aperture objectives for excitation and light collection provide optimal spatial resolution. The result of these improvements is a probe beam that spans 115 nm across the visible region yet maintains a ∼100  fs instrument response at the sample position. We demonstrate the capabilities of this microscope by imaging polystyrene beads in a solution of IR-144 dye, revealing aggregated species at the bead surfaces.

High-Speed Spectroscopic Transient Absorption Imaging of Defects in Graphene

Graphene grain boundaries (GBs) and other nanodefects can deteriorate electronic properties. Here, using transient absorption (TA) microscopy we directly visualized GBs by TA intensity increase due to change in density of state. We also observed a faster decay due to defect-accelerated carrier relaxation in the GB area. By line-illumination and parallel detection, we increased the TA intensity imaging speed to 1000 frames per second, which is 6 orders of magnitude faster than Raman microscopy. Combined with a resonant optical delay tuner which scans a 5.3 ps temporal delay within 92 μs, our system enabled spectroscopic TA imaging, at a speed of 50 stacks per second, to probe and characterize graphene nanodefects based on the TA decay rate. Finally, we demonstrate real-time nondestructive characterization of graphene at a rolling speed of 0.3 m/min, which matches the fastest roll-to-roll manufacturing process reported.

Global mapping of stratigraphy of an old-master painting using sparsity-based terahertz reflectometry

The process by which art paintings are produced typically involves the successive applications of preparatory and paint layers to a canvas or other support; however, there is an absence of nondestructive modalities to provide a global mapping of the stratigraphy, information that is crucial for evaluation of its authenticity and attribution, for insights into historical or artist-specific techniques, as well as for conservation. We demonstrate sparsity-based terahertz reflectometry can be applied to extract a detailed 3D mapping of the layer structure of the 17th century easel painting Madonna in Preghiera by the workshop of Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato, in which the structure of the canvas support, the ground, imprimatura, underpainting, pictorial, and varnish layers are identified quantitatively. In addition, a hitherto unidentified restoration of the varnish has been found. Our approach unlocks the full promise of terahertz reflectometry to provide a global and detailed account of an easel painting’s stratigraphy by exploiting the sparse deconvolution, without which terahertz reflectometry in the past has only provided a meager tool for the characterization of paintings with paint-layer thicknesses smaller than 50 μm. The proposed modality can also be employed across a broad range of applications in nondestructive testing and biomedical imaging.

Obtaining Cross-Sections of Paint Layers in Cultural Artifacts Using Femtosecond Pulsed Lasers

Recently, ultrafast lasers exhibiting high peak powers and extremely short pulse durations have created a new paradigm in materials processing. The precision and minimal thermal damage provided by ultrafast lasers in the machining of metals and dielectrics also suggests a novel application in obtaining precise cross-sections of fragile, combustible paint layers in artwork and cultural heritage property. Cross-sections of paint and other decorative layers on artwork provide critical information into its history and authenticity. However, the current methodology which uses a scalpel to obtain a cross-section can cause further damage, including crumbling, delamination, and paint compression. Here, we demonstrate the ability to make controlled cross-sections of paint layers with a femtosecond pulsed laser, with minimal damage to the surrounding artwork. The femtosecond laser cutting overcomes challenges such as fragile paint disintegrating under scalpel pressure, or oxidation by the continuous-wave (CW) laser. Variations in laser power and translational speed of the laser while cutting exhibit different benefits for cross-section sampling. The use of femtosecond lasers in studying artwork also presents new possibilities in analyzing, sampling, and cleaning of artwork with minimal destructive effects.

Pump-probe micro-spectroscopy by means of an ultra-fast acousto-optics delay line

We demonstrate femtosecond pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy using a programmable dispersive filter as an ultra-fast delay line. Combined with fast synchronous detection, this delay line allows for recording of 6 ps decay traces at 34 kHz. With such acquisition speed, we perform single point pump-probe spectroscopy on bulk samples in 80 μs and hyperspectral pump-probe imaging over a field of view of 100 μm in less than a second. The usability of the method is illustrated in a showcase experiment to image and discriminate between two pigments in a mixture.

Correlative nonlinear optical microscopy and infrared nanoscopy reveals collagen degradation in altered parchments

This paper presents the correlative imaging of collagen denaturation by nonlinear optical microscopy (NLO) and nanoscale infrared (IR) spectroscopy to obtain morphological and chemical information at different length scales. Such multiscale correlated measurements are applied to the investigation of ancient parchments, which are mainly composed of dermal fibrillar collagen. The main issue is to characterize gelatinization, the ultimate and irreversible alteration corresponding to collagen denaturation to gelatin, which may also occur in biological tissues. Key information about collagen and gelatin signatures is obtained in parchments and assessed by characterizing the denaturation of pure collagen reference samples. A new absorbing band is observed near the amide I band in the IR spectra, correlated to the onset of fluorescence signals in NLO images. Meanwhile, a strong decrease is observed in Second Harmonic signals, which are a structural probe of the fibrillar organization of the collagen at the micrometer scale. NLO microscopy therefore appears as a powerful tool to reveal collagen degradation in a non-invasive way. It should provide a relevant method to assess or monitor the condition of collagen-based materials in museum and archival collections and opens avenues for a broad range of applications regarding this widespread biological material.

Invited Review Article: Pump-probe microscopy

Multiphoton microscopy has rapidly gained popularity in biomedical imaging and materials science because of its ability to provide three-dimensional images at high spatial and temporal resolution even in optically scattering environments. Currently the majority of commercial and home-built devices are based on two-photon fluorescence and harmonic generation contrast. These two contrast mechanisms are relatively easy to measure but can access only a limited range of endogenous targets. Recent developments in fast laser pulse generation, pulse shaping, and detection technology have made accessible a wide range of optical contrasts that utilize multiple pulses of different colors. Molecular excitation with multiple pulses offers a large number of adjustable parameters. For example, in two-pulse pump-probe microscopy, one can vary the wavelength of each excitation pulse, the detection wavelength, the timing between the excitation pulses, and the detection gating window after excitation. Such a large parameter space can provide much greater molecular specificity than existing single-color techniques and allow for structural and functional imaging without the need for exogenous dyes and labels, which might interfere with the system under study. In this review, we provide a tutorial overview, covering principles of pump-probe microscopy and experimental setup, challenges associated with signal detection and data processing, and an overview of applications.

Frequency domain approach for time-resolved pump-probe microscopy using intensity modulated laser diodes

We present a scheme for time-resolved pump-probe microscopy using intensity modulated laser diodes. The modulation frequencies of the pump and probe beams are varied up to 500 MHz with fixed frequency detuning typically set at 15 kHz. The frequency response of the pump-probe signal is detected using a lock-in amplifier referenced at the beat frequency. This frequency domain method is capable of characterizing the nanosecond to picosecond relaxation dynamics of sample species without the use of a high speed detector or a high frequency lock-in amplifier. Furthermore, as the pump-probe signal is based on the nonlinear interaction between the two laser beams and the sample, our scheme provides better spatial resolution than the conventional diffraction-limited optical microscopes. Time-resolved pump-probe imaging of fluorescence beads and aggregates of quantum dots demonstrates that this method is useful for the microscopic analysis of optoelectronic devices. The system is implemented using compact and low-cost laser diodes, and thus has a broad range of applications in the fields of photochemistry, optical physics, and biological imaging.

Resolution improvement in laser diode-based pump-probe microscopy with an annular pupil filter

We experimentally demonstrate the use of annular beams to improve lateral resolution in laser-diode-based pump-probe microscopy. We found that the width of the point-spreading function in the case of the annular pump-probe beams is 162 nm, which is 30% smaller than that of the circular beams (232 nm). Furthermore, side lobes were efficiently suppressed at the focal plane since the pump-probe signal is proportional to the product of the two beam intensities. This scheme is demonstrated for the photothermal signal of nonfluorescent gold nanoparticles and the stimulated emission signal of fluorescence beads.