SBIR-STTR Award

Development of a Fiber-Based, Holographic Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscope for Label-Free Imaging
Award last edited on: 6/24/16

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NIH : NIGMS
Total Award Amount
$735,003
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
-----

Principal Investigator
Perry Edwards

Company Information

Atoptix LLC

200 Innovation Boulevard Suite 234-1
State College, PA 16801
   (814) 808-7056
   contact@atoptix.com
   www.atoptix.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 12
County: Centre

Phase I

Contract Number: 1R43GM113563-01
Start Date: 1/15/15    Completed: 12/31/16
Phase I year
2015
Phase I Amount
$350,000
Coherent Raman microscopy has emerged as an important label-free imaging modality, which can enable long duration non-invasive imaging of cells and tissues. However, current coherent Raman systems require scanning to obtain three-dimensional images, hindering studies of rapid dynamic biological processes. Additionally, coherent Raman imaging systems usually rely on complex and expensive laser sources, which limit their accessibility. In this Phase I SBIR study, Atoptix, LLC. proposes to develop a fiber-based holographic coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope to overcome these limitations of scanning and system complexity. The key innovation, CARS holography, merges the unique capabilities of CARS spectroscopy and holographic imaging by recording of a digital CARS hologram which captures both the amplitude and the phase of an anti-Stokes image signal. CARS holography can thus perform label-free, 3D imaging without scanning, and have an improved sensitivity over conventional CARS due to its homodyne detection nature. Furthermore, the proposed system will use a robust, turn-key fiber laser based excitation system which overcomes the complexities and high costs associated with existing coherent Raman systems. To perform this work, Atoptix will collaborate with Penn State University researchers who are the inventors of CARS holography. Specific Aim 1 is to develop a synchronized two-color ultrafast fiber laser system that will provide the CARS pump/probe and Stokes excitation sources. Specific Aim 2 is to develop the prototype holographic CARS microscope. The system will be characterized and optimized to assess performance and capability for Phase II development of an advanced prototype system.

Public Health Relevance Statement:


Public Health Relevance:
Coherent Raman microscopes have emerged as important label-free imaging tools for studying cells and tissues. However, current systems are reliant on scanning, limiting the ability to monitor fast processes, and use complex and expensive laser systems which reduces accessibility of such instruments. This program proposes to develop a fiber laser based holographic coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscope that overcomes these obstacles.

Project Terms:
Advanced Development; Area; base; Biological; Biological Process; Caliber; Cells; Chemicals; Collaborations; Color; Complex; cost; Coupled; design; Detection; Development; digital; Fiber; Frequencies (time pattern); Goals; Holography; Image; Imaging Device; imaging modality; improved; innovation; instrument; Label; Lasers; Lead; Measurement; meetings; Microscope; Microscopy; Monitor; Nature; Noise; non-invasive imaging; Output; Performance; Phase; Physiologic pulse; Process; programs; prototype; public health relevance; Pump; Research Personnel; Resolution; Sampling; Scanning; Seeds; Signal Transduction; Small Business Innovation Research Grant; Source; Spectrum Analysis; Speed (motion); System; Techniques; Three-Dimensional Image; Three-Dimensional Imaging; Time; Tissues; Universities; Width; Work

Phase II

Contract Number: 5R43GM113563-02
Start Date: 1/15/15    Completed: 12/31/16
Phase II year
2016
Phase II Amount
$385,003
Coherent Raman microscopy has emerged as an important label-free imaging modality, which can enable long duration non-invasive imaging of cells and tissues. However, current coherent Raman systems require scanning to obtain three-dimensional images, hindering studies of rapid dynamic biological processes. Additionally, coherent Raman imaging systems usually rely on complex and expensive laser sources, which limit their accessibility. In this Phase I SBIR study, Atoptix, LLC. proposes to develop a fiber-based holographic coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope to overcome these limitations of scanning and system complexity. The key innovation, CARS holography, merges the unique capabilities of CARS spectroscopy and holographic imaging by recording of a digital CARS hologram which captures both the amplitude and the phase of an anti-Stokes image signal. CARS holography can thus perform label-free, 3D imaging without scanning, and have an improved sensitivity over conventional CARS due to its homodyne detection nature. Furthermore, the proposed system will use a robust, turn-key fiber laser based excitation system which overcomes the complexities and high costs associated with existing coherent Raman systems. To perform this work, Atoptix will collaborate with Penn State University researchers who are the inventors of CARS holography. Specific Aim 1 is to develop a synchronized two-color ultrafast fiber laser system that will provide the CARS pump/probe and Stokes excitation sources. Specific Aim 2 is to develop the prototype holographic CARS microscope. The system will be characterized and optimized to assess performance and capability for Phase II development of an advanced prototype system.

Public Health Relevance Statement:


Public Health Relevance:
Coherent Raman microscopes have emerged as important label-free imaging tools for studying cells and tissues. However, current systems are reliant on scanning, limiting the ability to monitor fast processes, and use complex and expensive laser systems which reduces accessibility of such instruments. This program proposes to develop a fiber laser based holographic coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscope that overcomes these obstacles.

Project Terms:
Advanced Development; Area; base; Biological; Biological Process; Caliber; Cells; Chemicals; Collaborations; Color; Complex; cost; Coupled; design; Detection; Development; digital; Fiber; Frequencies (time pattern); Goals; Health; Holography; Image; Imaging Device; imaging modality; imaging system; improved; innovation; instrument; Label; Lasers; Lead; Measurement; meetings; Microscope; Microscopy; Monitor; Nature; Noise; non-invasive imaging; Output; Performance; Phase; Physiologic pulse; Process; programs; prototype; Pump; Research Personnel; Resolution; Sampling; Scanning; Seeds; Signal Transduction; Small Business Innovation Research Grant; Source; Spectrum Analysis; Speed (motion); System; Techniques; Three-Dimensional Image; Three-Dimensional Imaging; Time; Tissues; Universities; Width; Work