Extending the Resolution of Microscopes Beyond the Diffraction Limit
- Summary
- Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel solution to achieve super resolution by inserting a set of optics between the microscope and camera. The choice of optics is flexible and used to create interference patterns that allow for localization of light sources at resolutions greater than that of the base microscope. This technique could be used to locate and image fluorescently tagged cell organelles or track microscopic fluorescent particles in fluid. Telescopes could also benefit from this technology by increasing their resolution of faint targets.
- Technology Benefits
- Library of existing MEMS devices Increased productivity Easy to use
- Technology Application
- Microscopes Telescopes
- Detailed Technology Description
- Steve WereleyPurdue Microfluidics GroupPurdue Mechanical Engineering
- Countries
- United States
- Application No.
- None
- *Abstract
-
- *Background
- The resolution for microscopes and other optical devices is limited by the diffraction limit, which is a result of the scattering of light at the aperture. Techniques have been developed that provide resolution greater than the diffraction limit, but they require complex illumination schemes, specialized fluorescent molecules, or complex optics. These requirements add to the price and limit the applications of the techniques.
- *IP Issue Date
- None
- *IP Type
- Utility
- *Stage of Development
- Prototype testing
- *Web Links
- Purdue Office of Technology CommercializationPurdueInnovation and EntrepreneurshipSteve WereleyPurdue Microfluidics GroupPurdue Mechanical Engineering
- Country/Region
- USA
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