Video-Rate Molecular Imaging in Vivo with Stimulated Raman Scattering

Skin-Deep Raman Spectroscopy Raman spectroscopy allows for molecular identification via vibrational spectra at optical wavelengths. However, if the optical signal is scattered, as occurs when trying to image tissue, the signal becomes very weak, and it becomes difficult to image a sample with high time resolution. Saar et al. (p. 1368 ) now show that by improving the optics and electronics of the acquisition of the backscattered signal, stimulated Raman scattering spectroscopy can be performed at video rates on human skin, which should enable label-free studies of tissues and, for example, the tracking of the delivery of a drug.