Label-free super-resolution chemical imaging of biomedical specimens

Abstract

Raman microscopy provides chemically selective imaging by exploiting intrinsic vibrational properties of specimens. Yet, a fast acquisition, low phototoxicity, and non-specific (to a vibrational/electronic mode) super-resolution method has been elusive for tissue imaging. We demonstrate a single-pixel-based approach, combined with robust structured illumination, that enables fast super-resolution in stimulated Raman scattering microscopy at low power levels. The methodology is straightforward to implement and compatible with thick biological specimens, therefore paving the way for probing complex biological systems when exogenous labelling is challenging.