Non-linear microscopy and nanoscopy
Giorno 10 dicembre 2024, con inizio alle ore 15:00, presso l'Aula T del DFA, il Dr Paolo Bianchini (IIT, Genova) terrà un seminario dal titolo Non-linear microscopy and nanoscopy.
Modera la Dott.ssa Elisa Longo (Dottoranda in Fisica, 39° ciclo).
Il seminario appartiene al ciclo degli Highlights in Frontier Physics, nell'ambito delle attività del Dottorato di ricerca in Fisica.
Tutte le persone interessate sono invitate a partecipare.
Abstract. The exploration of cellular mechanisms at the nanoscale has historically been constrained by the limitations of conventional microscopy. However, breakthroughs in non-linear and super-resolution microscopy have revolutionized our ability to investigate cellular dynamics and structures at unprecedented detail. This lecture will introduce key advancements in super-resolution microscopy, focusing on techniques such as Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM), STimulated Emission Depletion (STED), and label-free pump-probe methods. ISM, powered by a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, replaces the traditional confocal pinhole to achieve enhanced spatial resolution and superior fluorescence lifetime measurements, particularly when paired with two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy (2PEFM). Additionally, the seminar will explore nonlinear contrast mechanisms enabled by ultrafast femtosecond lasers, such as transient absorption measured through pump-probe spectroscopy. These approaches enable spatial resolutions in the tens of nanometers using near-infrared light, opening new avenues for studying cellular processes without the need for labels. By integrating advanced imaging modalities like ISM, 2PEFM, and label-free pump-probe techniques, this presentation highlights the frontier of non-linear microscopy in redefining our understanding of the nanoscale world.
Bio. Dr Bianchini's main research activity aims at the biophysical study of biological molecules and macromolecules both in situ and in vitro utilizing almost not perturbative instrumentation and nanostructured model systems. So far, his research deals with the design, realization and utilization of biophysical instrumentation as conventional, confocal and multi-photon fluorescence microscopy, SHG imaging microscopy, FLIM, single molecule imaging, STED nanoscopy. In particular, he developed an original setup for SW 2PE-STED (single wavelength two-photon excitation stimulated emission depletion) super-resolution microscopy and another for SHG (second harmonic generation) combined with 2PEF (2-photon excitation fluorescence) microscopy. He recently applied STED nanoscopy technique to the quantitative study of single molecule diffusion in living cells. Moreover, he is in charge of the scientific management of the Nikon Imaging Center and he is responsible for the partnership with the R&D of Nikon Instruments Japan.