4D Microscopy of biological materials by short pulse terahertz sources (MIMOSA)

Introduction

Cryo-electron microscopy and tomography have been among the greatest achievements in biological imaging, but these techniques suffer from insufficient chemical resolution. The ultimate goal of MIMOSA is to provide an alternative to tomography at the nanoscale with a high chemical resolution for biological and medical systems, based on Tomographic Atom Probe (TAP).

Objectives

MIMOSA aims to prototype a new TAP triggered by intense terahertz (THz) pulses that are stable at high repetition rates and exhibit versatile and tailored properties.

Integration of Fields

MIMOSA relies on the integration of trans-disciplinary fields in:

• Bio-imaging
• Optics
• Ultrafast lasers and intense THz sources
• Big-data treatment
• Physics of the interaction between THz waves and matter

THz Source Development

MIMOSA aims to prototype in parallel an efficient intense THz source based on a new technology with ultrafast high-energy fiber lasers. This source can be used in nano-tomography for biological and medical applications but also as a test platform for a foreseeable commercialization of the THz-triggered TAP.

Team Expertise

The MIMOSA team members are leaders in:

1. TAP development
2. 3D medical and bio-imaging
3. Ultrafast lasers development with advanced techniques for shaping and control of the optical beams properties
4. Theoretical physics

With MIMOSA, we are uniquely positioned to succeed and to raise the competitiveness of Europe in microscopy development on the international scene.