Title :
A Scanning Near-Field Infrared Microscope Based on AgClBr Fiber Probes
Author :
Platkov, Max ; Tsun, Alexander ; Nagli, Lev ; Katzir, Abraham
Author_Institution :
Tel-Aviv Univ., Tel-Aviv
Abstract :
We have developed a Scanning Near-field Infrared Microscope (SNIM) that is based on tapered fiber probes made of AgClBr. This microscope can be used for thermal imaging and spectral imaging in the middle infrared, in the spectral range of 5-15 mum, with a subwavelength spatial resolution. We have used the microscope for imaging of inorganic and organic samples that were either placed in air or immersed in water. We have already adapted the system for the study of living biological cells of sizes smaller than a wavelength. Such a study promises to be important both as a pure scientific tool in biology and as a diagnostic tool in medicine.
Keywords :
biomedical optical imaging; cellular biophysics; fibre optic sensors; image resolution; infrared imaging; molecular biophysics; near-field scanning optical microscopy; silver compounds; spectral analysis; AgClBr; diagnostic tool; inorganic sample imaging; living biological cells; organic sample imaging; scanning near-field infrared microscope; spectral imaging; subwavelength spatial resolution; tapered fiber probes; thermal imaging; wavelength 5 mum to 15 mum; Biological cells; Biomedical imaging; Cells (biology); Infrared imaging; Infrared spectra; Medical diagnostic imaging; Microscopy; Optical imaging; Probes; Spatial resolution; AgClBr fibers; infrared microscopy; microspectroscopy; scanning near-field infrared microscopy (SNIM); single living biological cells;
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JSTQE.2007.911667
