Paper 13326-22
Paper 13326-22
PIC-based STED microscopy using optical beam formers
26 January 2025 • 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM PST | Moscone Center, Room 307 (Level 3 South)
Abstract
We present a silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that combines the generation of both the stimulation and depletion beams for STED microscopy, using optical phased arrays with wavelength-based steering. The stimulation and depletion beams are generated by precisely controlling the phase of light emitters arranged in concentric circular arrangements together with a beam-shaping objective, effectively replacing the bulky and complex free-space optics used in conventional STED microscopy setups. This innovative method requires only an objective lens and a PIC positioned at its focal point to illuminate the samples. We present the theoretical framework and modeling results, predicting submicron (<300 nm) lateral resolution. Furthermore, we extend the design to show compatibility with both 2D and 3D STED microscopy applications. Finally, we detail the PIC layout, including the implementation and design of the necessary integrated components for the proposed PIC.
Presenter
RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany)
Alireza Tabatabaei Mashayekh was born in Tabriz, Iran, in 1988. He received his B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Azad University, Tabriz branch, in 2010. After gaining experience in the automation and control industry, he pursued an M.Sc. in Automation and Control Engineering at Politecnico di Milano in Italy, graduating in 2017. He began his Ph.D. in 2017, focusing on photonic science at the IPH Integrated Photonic Institute, RWTH Aachen University, and earned his Ph.D. in November 2023. His research interests include designing and simulating silicon nitride-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for novel technologies in life sciences, such as super-resolution microscopy and flow cytometry. His work aims to advance PIC-based optical imaging techniques, enabling higher resolution and precise cell analysis, which are crucial for understanding complex biological processes and developing innovative medical diagnostics.