CONTRAST
The CONTRAST facility provides users access to state-of-the-art custom-built chemically-specific label-free microscopy facilities.
Coherent Raman Scattering (CRS) is a non-linear optical imaging technique based on vibrational spectroscopy. The technique is label-free as the image contrast comes from the molecular bonds which make up the sample, it is therefore especially useful for instances where adding external labels may alter the experimental dynamics or where samples are hard to label. The techniques allow diffraction limited 3D imaging of tissues at the submicron level.
The CONTRAST facility was established in 2019 through EPSRC grant number (EP/S009957/1) to support research which addresses the following broad goals
- Development of Coherent Raman Scattering based healthcare technologies
- The application of novel Coherent Raman Scattering technique to aid the development of new technologies and therapies.
The facility has two custom-built CRS microscopes that provide capabilities beyond that of commercially available systems. A spectrally focused narrow band system, which allows, stimulated Raman Scattering SRS, Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman scattering CARS, second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon fluorescence (TPF) imaging and a broadband CARS system which allows spectral mapping across the whole Raman range. Both imaging systems provide diffraction limited resolution imaging with intrinsically confocal properties.
In addition, two Spontaneous Raman systems are also available to use as part of the biophysics research group. These allow chemically specific mapping of samples with a high level of detail and are suitable for samples where imaging speed is not a priority
Meet the Team
Dr Jessica Mansfield, Senior Experimental Officer
I am the experimental officer in charge of running the CONTRAST facility. My work focusses on supporting facility users to operate the microscopes, plan experiments and analyse data. My previous roles include working as postdoctoral researcher (Exeter) investigating tissue micromechanics and osteoarthritis using a combination of Coherent Raman and non-linear microscopy. My expertise in Coherent Raman application was further developed in an industrial context where I applied the technology to track agrochemical uptake in plants.
Professor Julian Moger, Research Director
My research involves the development and application of nonlinear optical techniques to address biomedical challenges. My work focuses on Coherent Raman Scattering (CRS), a technique that exploits the intrinsic nonlinear optical response of biomolecules to derive label-free biochemical contrast of living systems. In 2007 I setup the first CRS laboratory in the UK and have become one of Europe’s leading researchers in this field with an international reputation for its development and application. In 2019 I received funding from the EPSRC (EP/S009957/1) to establish the UK’s first user access CRS imaging facility (CONTRAST) which aims to make cutting-edge CRS techniques available to the UK life- community.
