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Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy on Planar Supported Bilayers
Published on: October 31, 2015
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Tunable liquid lens for three-photon excitation microscopy.
Samuel D Gilinsky1, Diane N Jung2, Greg L Futia3
1Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA.
Biomedical Optics Express
|June 10, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a new electrowetting lens using a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and 1-phenyl-1-cyclohexene (PCH). This tunable lens is ideal for focus-tunable 3-photon microscopy applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Biomedical Imaging
- Materials Science
Background:
- Electrowetting lenses offer tunable optical properties.
- 3-photon microscopy requires advanced optical components for deep tissue imaging.
- Ionic liquids and specific nonpolar liquids present unique optical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel electrowetting liquid combination for focus-tunable 3-photon microscopy.
- To characterize the optical properties of the liquid combination at 1300 nm.
- To validate the performance of the electrowetting lens in a 3-photon imaging system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and 1-phenyl-1-cyclohexene (PCH) for electrowetting lens fabrication.
- Measured optical transmission at 1300 nm and refractive index contrast.
- Applied voltages to tune the lens's contact angle and focal properties.
- Integrated the electrowetting lens into a 3-photon microscopy system for imaging biological samples.
Main Results:
- Both RTIL and PCH exhibited >90% transmission at 1300 nm over 1.1 mm.
- Achieved an index of refraction contrast of 0.123.
- Demonstrated tunable contact angles from 133° to 48° with 0-60 V.
- Successfully imaged a mouse brain slice with the electrowetting lens, showing comparable results to a mechanically scanned objective.
Conclusions:
- The RTIL and PCH liquid combination is suitable for focus-tunable 3-photon microscopy.
- Electrowetting lenses provide a viable alternative to mechanical scanning for axial imaging.
- This technology enhances the capabilities of advanced biological imaging techniques.
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