Electronically Preresonant Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy of Weakly Fluorescing Chromophores

Stimulated Raman Scattering microscopy is an important imaging technique. Its broader application, however, is hampered by its comparatively low sensitivity. Using organic fluorophores, it has recently been demonstrated that, similar to spontaneous Raman microscopy, the sensitivity of stimulated Raman microscopy is increased by orders of magnitudes if electronic preresonances are exploited. In this Article, we show that this approach also works with low quantum yield chromophores. We investigate the relevant photophysics and discuss the background arising from preresonant excitation conditions. Applications of preresonant stimulated Raman scattering microscopy for the imaging of weakly fluorescing labels in fixed and live cells are demonstrated.