Phaseform’s Delta 7 Deformable Phase Plate is ushering in a new era of precision for Confocal Raman Microscopy (CRM): By seamlessly correcting aberrations, researchers can now probe deeper and faster—without compromising resolution or sample health.
Confocal Raman Microscopy (CRM) reveals molecular information without labels or dyes. Raman signals are inherently weak, especially in deep or scattering samples such as brain tissue and polymers with varying refractive indices, which reduce the weak Raman signal levels even further by introducing wavefront distortions. These aberrations introduced by sample heterogeneities blur the beam focus and diminish the light collected at the detector, resulting in longer measurement times and lower signal-to-noise ratios.
Adaptive optics (AO) corrects wavefront aberrations in real-time, restoring optimal focusing conditions inside the sample. Our latest collaboration demonstrates how Phaseform’s “Delta 7” Deformable Phase Plate (DPP) meets this challenge. In the recent study in ACS Photonics, our colleagues at the Medical University of Innsbruck for the first time - to our knowledge - added Adaptive Optics to a Confocal Raman microscope.
“Our experimental results demonstrate the compensation of aberrations caused by artificial scatterers and mouse brain tissue, improving spatial resolution and achieving up to 3.5-fold signal enhancements. Our results provide a basis for the molecular label-free study of biological systems at greater imaging depths.”
Phaseform’s technology, a completely transmissive wavefront modulator could be easily attached to the nosepiece in the detection path of the confocal microscope. By introducing finely controlled phase patterns, aberrations were actively compensated.
What this breakthrough means for Confocal Raman Microscopy:
Shorter Acquisition Times: The enhanced signal allows faster scans, critical for fragile biological samples or time-sensitive industrial processes.
Deeper Insights: More accurate focusing benefits both spatial resolution and chemical specificity.
Scalable and Modular: Phaseform’s technology can be integrated into a variety of microscope platforms with minimal redesign.
Multi-Modal Imaging: Potential for synergy with fluorescence, CARS, or other optical techniques requiring tight focusing.
We look forward to further empowering scientists and innovators across diverse fields, from materials research to biomedicine, by bringing wavefront shaping and next-generation imaging solutions to their fingertips.
Reference: Muñoz-Bolaños, J. D.; Rajaeipour, P.; Kummer, K.; Kress, M.; Ataman Ç.; Ritsch-Marte, M.; Jesacher, A. Confocal Raman Microscopy with Adaptive Optics. ACS Photonics 2024, 12 (1), 176–184. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsphotonics.4c01432
