Abstract

We characterize the second-harmonic efficiency of a single 90-nm BaTiO₃ nanoparticle. We demonstrate the biocompatibility by imaging cells with this new class of markers that we call Second Harmonic Radiative IMaging Probes (SHRIMPs). Compared to conventional fluorescent markers such as organic dyes or quantum dots, SHRIMPs possess several key advantages, including long-term observation without photobleaching, flexibility in excitation wavelength, coherent signals for three-dimensional imaging [1], narrow signal bandwidth for greater noise rejection, ultrafast response time, and excellent biocompatibility.

© 2009 IEEE