Plasmon-enhanced Hyperspectral Imaging

Abstract: Hyperspectral imaging is gaining attention in the field of disease diagnosis due to its ability to enhance tissue contrast, surpassing the capabilities of conventional brightfield imaging techniques. Typically, histological sections lack sufficient intrinsic contrast in the visible spectrum, necessitating the use of dyes or stains for adequate visualization. However, a recent breakthrough involves the application of plasmonic meta-materials as substrates for histological sections, replacing staining or labelling on traditional microscope glass slides. These nanofabricated microscope slides, shortened to nanoMslides, operate by selectively transmitting colors based on refractive index variations within the sample when illuminated with white light. This study investigates the feasibility of integration of nanoMslides for hyperspectral imaging. By employing a tunable light source, specific plasmon resonances within the slides can be selectively excited. This precise control over plasmonic interactions results in significantly heightened sensitivity and specificity, showcasing the potential for advanced applications in disease diagnosis and biomedical research.