Sub-wavelength Raman imaging with combined optical and electron excitation

A method of performing stimulated Raman spectroscopy on a sample, the method comprising:

• providing optical pump radiation to the sample at a predetermined wavelength, wherein the sample defines a Raman-shifted wavelength relative to the predetermined wavelength;
• disposing a localized electromagnetic emitter in proximity to the sample, wherein the localized electromagnetic emitter has an electromagnetic resonance at the Raman-shifted wavelength;
• providing a non-electromagnetic excitation to the localized electromagnetic emitter configured to excite an electromagnetic mode of the localized electromagnetic emitter at the Raman-shifted wavelength;
• and
• receiving a stimulated Raman signal from the sample.