High-speed multicolor stimulated Raman imaging

In Raman imaging, improving the imaging speed is important in various applications such as large-scale imaging analysis and multiplex imaging, where imaging time restricts their applicability. Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy has improved the speed of Raman imaging, while it is still restricted by several factors such as laser tuning time and signal-to-noise ratio. Here we introduce various approaches to break these barriers: ultrahigh-speed wavelength-switching of optical pulses for large-scale multicolor vibrational imaging of cells with SRS imaging flow cytometry, integrated SRS and fluorescence microscopy for super-multiplex time-lapse imaging and cytometry, and quantum enhancement to reduce the shot noise below the standard quantum limit.