Comparative numerical analysis of the imaging performance of mid-infrared photothermal and coherent Raman scattering microscopy

Coherent Raman scattering (CRS) and mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) microscopy have overcome the limitations of traditional vibrational imaging. MIP microscopy has recently presented high imaging performance comparable to CRS microscopy, including high speed beyond video rate and high spatial resolution below 200 nm. So far, a comparative analysis of imaging performance between CRS and MIP microscopy has not been discussed comprehensively. In this study, we present numerical evaluations of the imaging performances of CRS and MIP microscopy, particularly between stimulated Raman scattering and wide-field MIP microscopy.