Photoswitchable stimulated Raman scattering spectroscopy and microscopy.

Photoswitchable fluorescence is a powerful technique to realize super-resolution imaging, highlighting, and optical storage, while its multiplexing capability is limited. Raman scattering is attracting attention because it generates narrowband vibrational signatures, which are potentially useful for highly multiplexed detection of different constituents. Here, we demonstrate photoswitchable stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) spectroscopy and microscopy where narrowband vibrational signatures are switched with full reversibility at high speed. The demonstration of live-cell photoswitchable SRS imaging shows good sensitivity and compatibility with biological living systems.