Collaborative Research: EAGER: Loss and dispersion management for photonic integrated circuit two photon (PIC-2P) microscopy

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $125,888 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Imaging cells deep within living things is challenging because light is scattered as it travels through tissues. Two-photon (2P) microscopy is a technique that uses longer wavelengths which are less prone to scattering to allow for deeper penetration into the tissue while maintaining the ability to visualize single cells. However, the depth of penetration is limited. This project uses an ultra-compact chip-scale device based on optical nanostructures to overcome the depth limits of 2P microscopy. This technology could enable tissue imaging at faster speeds over larger volumes using a chip-scale microscope. This technology will enable new observations of cell behavior to improve our fundamental understanding of biology, leading to improved diagnostics and therapeutics. This project focuses on the development of photonic-integrated-circuit two-photon microscopy (PIC-2P), whereby light is delivered from a minimally-invasive nanophotonic chip with cellular-scale thickness (<50 µm). This technique overcomes the fundamental imaging depth of 2P imaging by delivering light orthogonally with respect to the image collection, obviating the effects of scattering and absorption from superficial layers, and leading to a signal-to-background (SBR) many orders of magnitude higher than traditional 2P imaging. This project aims to demonstrate feasibility of PIC-2P imaging in scattering and absorbing specimens and to characterize the anticipated imaging depth improvements. The team combines

Key facts

NSF award ID
2516524
Awardee
Dartmouth College (NH)
SAM.gov UEI
EB8ASJBCFER9
PI
Irene Georgakoudi
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
BIOPHOTONICS, IMAGING &SENSING, EAGER, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$125,888
Funds obligated
$125,888
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/01/2025 → 06/30/2027