Structural relaxation in the wave-vector dependence of the longitudinal rigidity modulus

On the actual spatial resolution of Brillouin Imaging

Brillouin imaging is an emerging optical elastography technique that is able to generate maps of the mechanical properties at microscale with great potential in biophysical and biomedical fields. A key parameter is its spatial resolution, which is usually identified with that of the confocal microscope coupled to the Brillouin interferometer. Conversely, here we demonstrate that the mean free path of acoustic phonons plays a major role in defining the resolution, especially for high numerical aperture confocal setups. Surprisingly, the resolution of elastography maps may even deteriorate when decreasing the scattering volume.

Brillouin Light Scattering Microspectroscopy for Biomedical Research and Applications: introduction to feature issue

There has been a marked revival of interest in brillouin light scattering spectroscopy/microscopy over the last decade in regards to applications related to all optically studying the mechanical problems associated with systems of biological and medical interest. This revival has been driven by advancements in spectrometer design, together with mounting evidence of the critical role that mechanical properties can play in biological processes as well as the onset of diverse diseases. This feature issue contains a series of papers spanning some of the latest developments in the field of Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy and microscopy as applied to systems of biomedical interest.