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High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging
Published on: January 11, 2011
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Fiber-tip endoscope for optical and microwave control
Stefan Dix1, Jonas Gutsche1, Erik Waller2
1Department of Physics and State Research Center OPTIMAS, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schroedinger-Str. 46, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|October 1, 2022
Summary
We developed a fiber-optic endoscope with integrated radio frequency (RF) capabilities for simultaneous optical and RF measurements. This device achieves high sensitivity for probing nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, enabling new microscopic sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditional optical setups for probing fluorescent particles are often bulky and complex.
- Simultaneous optical and radio frequency (RF) excitation and detection in a compact format is challenging.
- Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are sensitive quantum probes but require specialized instrumentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust, fiber-based endoscope enabling simultaneous optical and RF signal delivery and detection.
- To integrate a direct-laser-written silver RF antenna structure with an optical fiber.
- To demonstrate the endoscope's capability for sensitive measurements of NV centers in diamond.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a fiber-optic endoscope with a direct-laser-written silver RF antenna on the cladding.
- Simultaneous optical excitation and RF probing of NV-doped microdiamonds.
- Optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) measurements using the endoscope.
- Comparison of magnetic sensitivity with confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- Achieved optimal RF intensity at the fiber facet due to near-field coupling.
- Demonstrated a magnetic sensitivity of 17.8 nT/Hz for NV centers using the fiber endoscope.
- Confirmed that the silver RF structure minimally impacts optical performance.
- Showcased the device's potential for precise distance measurements via Rabi oscillations.
Conclusions:
- The developed fiber-based endoscope offers a compact solution for simultaneous optical and RF measurements.
- The device enables sensitive probing of quantum defects like NV centers, with potential for broader applications in fluorescent particle analysis.
- This technology paves the way for miniaturized sensing systems combining optical and RF functionalities.
