A single-nanoprobe-integrated multi-modal microscope (SNIM).

Abstract

Nanodiamonds hosting nitrogen-vacancy centers, as quantum sensors, have been explored for intracellular multi-physics field measurements. However, the lack of active control of the nanodiamond inside the cell hinders the intracellular targeted sensing. We develop a single nanoprobe integrated multi-modal microscope based on our recently proposed manipulable single nanodiamond (MSN) approach, capable of active manipulation of the nanoprobe, live cell culture, in situ observation, and multi-physical field measurement. This probe takes advantage of the good biocompatibility and high manipulation precision of nanopipettes, and the probe module benefits from high stability and accuracy, as well as transmitting electric signals and optical signals into the MSN probe for local field modulation. By adopting a multi-stack sample cell equipped with a vibration-free thermostat, our setup allows long-term live cell incubation and observation. We also demonstrate real-time in situ intracellular multi-physics field measurement. Our setup integrates manipulation and measurement and provides optimal conditions for live cell experiments, which may serve as a powerful tool to study the complicated intracellular dynamics with quantum sensing.