Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering under electric field stimulation

The authors have developed a new method for exploring and controlling matter at the molecular scale. Their technique, called ``electro-CARS'' (for ``Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering under electric field stimulation''), consists of exposing the sample to an electric field and laser radiation simultaneously. Under these conditions, the molecules in the sample organize themselves and start vibrating, while returning a tiny part of the received light energy. Although very weak, this reemitted light provides a lot of chemical information about the sample, with a better sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio in comparison to existing spectroscopy tools. Electro-CARS could have a major impact in the field of electrochemotherapy, a promising method for cancer treatment. It could enable investigation of cell membrane modifications thoroughly and monitoring of anticancer drug delivery into cells without damaging them.