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A scanning cavity microscope

Author

Listed:
  • Matthias Mader

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Fakultät für Physik
    Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik)

  • Jakob Reichel

    (Laboratoire Kastler Brossel)

  • Theodor W. Hänsch

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Fakultät für Physik
    Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik)

  • David Hunger

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Fakultät für Physik
    Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik)

Abstract

Imaging the optical properties of individual nanosystems beyond fluorescence can provide a wealth of information. However, the minute signals for absorption and dispersion are challenging to observe, and only specialized techniques requiring sophisticated noise rejection are available. Here we use signal enhancement in a high-finesse scanning optical microcavity to demonstrate ultra-sensitive imaging. Harnessing multiple interactions of probe light with a sample within an optical resonator, we achieve a 1,700-fold signal enhancement compared with diffraction-limited microscopy. We demonstrate quantitative imaging of the extinction cross-section of gold nanoparticles with a sensitivity less than 1 nm2; we show a method to improve the spatial resolution potentially below the diffraction limit by using higher order cavity modes, and we present measurements of the birefringence and extinction contrast of gold nanorods. The demonstrated simultaneous enhancement of absorptive and dispersive signals promises intriguing potential for optical studies of nanomaterials, molecules and biological nanosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Mader & Jakob Reichel & Theodor W. Hänsch & David Hunger, 2015. "A scanning cavity microscope," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms8249
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8249
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    Cited by:

    1. Larissa Kohler & Matthias Mader & Christian Kern & Martin Wegener & David Hunger, 2021. "Tracking Brownian motion in three dimensions and characterization of individual nanoparticles using a fiber-based high-finesse microcavity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-7, December.
    2. Lukas Tenbrake & Alexander Faßbender & Sebastian Hofferberth & Stefan Linden & Hannes Pfeifer, 2024. "Direct laser-written optomechanical membranes in fiber Fabry-Perot cavities," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.

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