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Deep Mouse Brain Two-Photon Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Using a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon
Amr Tamimi1, Martin Caldarola2, Sebastian Hambura1
1Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.
ACS Photonics
|October 21, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed new superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) for deep-tissue imaging. This technology enables two-photon microscopy (2PM) in the shortwave near-infrared (SWIR) region, achieving over 1.1 mm depth in mouse brains.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Neuroscience Imaging
- Photonics
Background:
- Two-photon microscopy (2PM) is vital for in vivo biological imaging, but scattering in tissues limits imaging depth.
- Current limitations in detector and probe availability hinder deep imaging in the shortwave near-infrared (SWIR) spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome limitations in SWIR 2PM by developing novel detector technology.
- To enable deeper tissue imaging beyond the typical 600-800 μm in mammalian brains.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel array of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) and custom detection electronics.
- Integrated SNSPDs and electronics for seamless use in near-infrared 2PM systems.
- Utilized an organic fluorescent dye emitting at 1105 nm for imaging.
Main Results:
- Achieved imaging depth greater than 1.1 mm in the in vivo mouse brain.
- SNSPD array demonstrated high efficiency, dynamic range, and low dark-count rates across a wide wavelength range.
- Demonstrated successful integration of the new detector technology into a 2PM system.
Conclusions:
- Introduced a scalable SNSPD technology for SWIR 2PM, significantly advancing deep tissue biological imaging.
- The developed system overcomes previous wavelength limitations, facilitating unprecedented imaging depths.
- This technology holds promise for future advancements in studying intact biological tissues.
