CLSM and Coherent Raman Scattering Microscope

With the Leica Stellaris 8 CRS state-of-the-art confocal microscope with coherent Raman scattering (CRS) capabilities, completely new modalities become available to CAB's users, combining confocal and chemical imaging. 

In CRS microscopy, the characteristic vibrational modes of chemical bonds within the specimen are probed and thereby, images carrying information about the chemical composition of the sample are generated, without the need to introduce exogenous labels.

Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) is a method to specifically detect, quantify and image sample-intrinsic molecules, similar to spontaneous Raman scattering microscopy. Two laser beams are focused on the specimen, and their frequency difference is tuned to match the vibrational frequency of a particular molecular bond vibration. This leads to an induction of vibration and thereby to a much improved yield of signal. Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) is a related technique where further stimulation of the target molecules leads to the release of blue-shifted ("Anti-Stokes") photons. 

CRS microscopy allows to spectroscopically explore the chemical composition of complex biological specimen.