Light-Sheet Microscope with Optical Modulation Unit for Research on Biophysical Effects of Infrared Radiation

Abstract

Currently, the AFOSR supports our work to determine the bioeffects of infrared light on cellular metabolism and function. Due to the spatial and temporal dynamics of infrared light exposure, optical imaging methods are well suited to capture these dynamics across the cell and tissue spatial scales. Our current microscopy resources allow fast imaging without depth resolution or high spatial resolution at slow imaging speeds. Infrared light effects propagate spatially at high speeds. Therefore, full axial resolution at high imaging speeds is required to fully capture infrared light effects in cells and tissues. Additionally, precise and controllable infrared irradiation of subcellular and cellular regions of interest is important to separate direct infrared effects from secondary, propagating effects of infrared light. Therefore, we propose a customized light-sheet microscope system with an integrated optical modulation arm for controllable infrared light delivery. The light-sheet microscope allows high-speed imaging with axial sectioning to greatly enhance our spatial-temporal imaging capabilities to fully resolve infrared laser effects in cells and tissues in multiple dimensions (spatial, temporal, and spectral). The light-sheet microscope will include integration of a dual-wavelength infrared diode laser for infrared illumination at 1470 nm and 1940 nm. The illumination spot-size of the infrared light will be controllable for precise cellular and subcellular illumination. Altogether, this light-sheet optical modulation system will accelerate our studies of the bioeffects of infrared laser pulses on cell metabolism and function. This unique system will be available for the broader scientific community and will be integrated into our curriculum to support microscopy, biophysics, and laser-tissue interaction learning objectives.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 07, 2023
Source ID
FA95502110280

Entities

People

  • Alexandra Walsh

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Directed Energy