Introduction to super-resolution microscopy

Abstract

In this review, we introduce the principles of spatial resolution improvement in super-resolution microscopies that were recently developed. These super-resolution techniques utilize the interaction of light and fluorescent probes in order to break the diffraction barrier that limits spatial resolution. The imaging property of each super-resolution technique is also compared with the corresponding conventional one. Typical applications of the super-resolution techniques in biological research are also introduced.

Keywords: PALM; SAX; SIM; STED; STORM; Super-resolution microscopy.