(198ar) Spinning-disc confocal microscopy in the second near-infrared window | AIChE

(198ar) Spinning-disc confocal microscopy in the second near-infrared window

Authors 

Lambert, B., EPFL
Latini, A., CrestOptics S.p.A
Ceccarelli, R., CrestOptics S.p.A
Santinelli, A., CrestOptics S.p.A
Rogov, A., Nikon GmbH
Ciepielewski, D., Nikon GmbH
Boghossian, A., Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
Fluorescence microscopy in the second near-infrared optical window (NIR-II, 1000-1350 nm) has become a technique of choice for non-invasive in vivo imaging. The deep penetration of NIR light in living tissue, as well as minimal or complete absence of tissue autofluorescence within this range, offers increased resolution and contrast with even greater penetration depths. Here, we present a custom-built spinning-disc confocal laser microscope (SDCLM) that is specific to imaging in the NIR-II. The SDCLM achieves a lateral resolution of 0.5±0.1 µm and an axial resolution of 0.6±0.1 µm, showing a ~17% and ~45% enhancement in lateral and axial resolutions, respectively, compared to the corresponding wide-field configuration. We furthermore showcase several applications that demonstrate the use of the SDCLM for in situ, spatiotemporal tracking of NIR particles and bioanalytes within both synthetic and biological systems.