title: Image formation in CARS and SRS: effect of an inhomogeneous nonresonant background medium.
abstract: We investigate the role of a spatially inhomogenous nonresonant background medium on several Raman-based imaging modalities. In particular, we consider a small resonant bead submerged in a spatially heterogeneous nonresonant χ(3) background. Using detailed 3D electrodynamic simulations, we compare coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), frequency-modulated CARS, amplitude-modulated stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), and frequency-modulated SRS. We find that only FM-SRS is background-free.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. kpopov@uottawa.ca
authors.forename: K I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Popov
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Pegoraro
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stolow
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ramunno
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*