Abstract
Conventional stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy requires time-consuming Raman-shift scanning to achieve chemical specificity, limiting its application in real-time biological studies. We present simultaneous dual-Raman-shift scanning-free SRS (SDRSRS) microscopy, which captures different distinct molecular vibrational signatures simultaneously without spectral scanning, achieving more than 10-fold faster imaging while maintaining high chemical specificity. The system uses birefringent crystals to create controlled optical path differences and orthogonal polarizations, enabling dual-phase modulation with custom dual-channel detection. The collinear balanced detection mode provides 11 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement, and the system is compatible with other real-time imaging modalities. SDRSRS enables simultaneous CH₃ and CH₂ mapping to reveal lipid droplet dynamics in living cells, quantitatively distinguishes immunotherapy responses in liver cancer models, and provides rapid label-free classification of human colorectal cancer. This technique enables rapid and simultaneous dual vibrational contrast, providing chemically specific imaging for live metabolic monitoring, clinical pathology, and drug-response studies.
Acknowledgement
B.S. discloses support for the research of this work from National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFA1206200), Shenzhen Medical Research Fund (A2303018), National Natural Science Foundation of China (62475165) and Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2025B1515020050/2024A1515010009), L.L. discloses support for research of this work from National Natural Science Foundation of China (62225505/62175163/62127819), J.Q. discloses support for the research of this work from National Natural Science Foundation of China (T2421003). Y.Z. discloses support for the research of this work from the United States National Institutes of Health grant (R00 EB035645). Z.Z., H.L., Z.Y., J.Y., Z.L., C.Z. and R.H. declare no relevant funding.
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Shen, B., Zeng, Z., Li, H. et al. Simultaneous dual-Raman-shift scanning-free stimulated Raman scattering microscopy for label-free biomolecular imaging. Nat Commun (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-73391-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-73391-8
