Switchable stimulated Raman scattering microscopy with photochromic vibrational probes

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Photochromic probes offer reversible fluorescence but lack chemical specificity.
• Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy provides high chemical resolution but uses inert probes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop photo-switchable probes for SRS imaging by combining photochromism and vibrational spectroscopy.
• To engineer alkyne-tagged diarylethene molecules exhibiting vibrational photochromism.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized alkyne-tagged diarylethene molecules.
• Utilized ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation to induce photoisomerization.
• Performed stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to image the vibrational changes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated reversible "on" and "off" SRS imaging based on the alkyne peak shift.
• Achieved photo-rewritable patterning and encryption on thin films.
• Successfully performed live-cell imaging, including mitochondria diffusion studies.

Conclusions:

• Developed a novel vibrational photochromism approach for SRS imaging.
• The alkyne-diarylethene system offers high chemical specificity and photo-switchability.
• This design principle has potential applications in super-resolution microscopy, optical memory, and switches.