BACKGROUND:  Known analysis techniques, such as conventional repetitive-waveform probe spectroscopy, are unable to attain very high scan rates. This limits throughput and prevents molecular spectra measuring at any one moment in time. Thus, existing sample identification and cancer screening techniques are slow and have some margin of error. Furthermore, known optical spectrometers are physically bulky, which prevents their use in some applications.

INNOVATION:  The novel analysis method and apparatus can measure stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS), and coherent Stokes Raman scattering (CSRS). It can analyze samples that are rapidly and irreversibly evolving, or destroyed by continuous exposure used in conventional techniques. Its extremely fast image acquisition times enable high throughput and can be used to directly monitor temporal dynamics of ultra-fast reactions, even capturing the Raman spectrum of a single molecule as it evolves.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Detection of chemical compounds, biomolecules, and rare cell types (e.g., cancer cells)
• Single-shot study of chemical reactions without needing repetitive analysis
• Spatio-temporal Raman microscopy with sub-wavelength resolution
• Biochemical sensing with matched detection for efficient and effective bio-detectors
• Combinatorial chemistry synthesis with matched detection
• High-throughput detection and study of biological molecules and macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA, hormones, etc.), microbes, and pathogens (viruses, bacteria)
• Cancer screening and rare-cell detection without needing fluorescent dye preparation

ADVANTAGES

• Provides built-in rejection of fluorescence that can mask the weaker Raman signals
• Achieves ultra-fast temporal sampling using time-division multiplexing (TDM)
• Achieves simultaneous fine spatial resolution Raman imaging and single-shot fine temporal resolution with the spatial localization inherent in nonlinear optical interactions
• Allows the study, direct probing, and potential control of molecular dynamics and chemical reactions

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2006-526