Silicon is an excellent material for microelectronics and integrated photonics^1,2,3, with untapped potential for mid-infrared optics⁴. Despite broad recognition of the importance of the third dimension^5,6, current lithography methods do not allow the fabrication of photonic devices and functional microelements directly inside silicon chips. Even relatively simple curved geometries cannot be realized with techniques like reactive ion etching. Embedded optical elements⁷, electronic devices and better electronic–photonic integration are lacking⁸. Here, we demonstrate laser-based fabrication of complex 3D structures deep inside silicon using 1-µm-sized dots and rod-like structures of adjustable length as basic building blocks. The laser-modified Si has an optical index different to that in unmodified parts, enabling the creation of numerous photonic devices. Optionally, these parts can be chemically etched to produce desired 3D shapes. We exemplify a plethora of subsurface—that is, ‘in-chip’—microstructures for microfluidic cooling of chips, vias, micro-electro-mechanical systems, photovoltaic applications and photonic devices that match or surpass corresponding state-of-the-art device performances.

In vitro studies have documented β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI) binding to endothelial cells (ECs) and trophoblast using antiphospholipid antibodies. The in vivo binding of β2GPI to these cells and the conditions that favor their interaction have not been investigated. We analyzed the in vivo distribution of cyanine 5.5-labeled β2GPI in mice and evaluated the effect of pregnancy and circulating antibodies on its tissue localization. The signal was detected in the liver by whole body scan and ex vivo analysis. The β2GPI failed to bind to the vascular endothelium and reacted only with the ECs of uterine vessels. In pregnant mice the protein was localized on ECs and trophoblast at the embryo implantation sites. Immunized mice showed a similar β2GPI biodistribution to naive mice but the immunized pregnant animals exhibited a significant increase in fetal loss associated with C3 and C9 deposition at the implantation sites. Treatment of mice with LPS after β2GPI-Cy5.5 injection promoted protein localization on gut and brain ECs associated with IgG, C1q, and C9 deposition in immunized mice. These findings indicate that β2GPI binding to EC requires priming with pro-inflammatory factors which is not needed for uterine and placental localization probably dependent on hormonal changes.

We report on the implementation of a versatile dynamic mode apertureless scanning near field optical microscope (aSNOM) for nanoscopic investigations of optical properties at surfaces and interfaces. The newly developed modular aSNOM optomechanical unit is essentially integrable with a multitude of laser sources, homemade scanning probe microscopes (SPMs) as well as commercially available SPMs as demonstrated here. The instrument is especially designed to image opaque surfaces without a restriction to transparent substrates. In the description of the instrument we draw frequent attention to various possible artifact mechanisms, how to overcome them, and we present effective checks to ensure true near field optical contrast. Lateral optical contrast in optical amplitude and phase images below $10\mathrm{nm}$ is demonstrated.