New microscopic imaging method allows capture of high resolution and tridimensional images

Modern medicine and diagnosis can be improved with the use of technology at an early stage. Researchers and professionals can see structures and processes that were once invisible with the help of microscopes. The limitation of current technology is that high-resolution images are limited to two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images. Scientists have been looking for a way to get 3D images for decades.

A new technique that can enhance state-of-the-art microscopes, allowing an increase in image resolution, was described in a paper published in Nature Photonics.

The rapid spread of tightly focused light can hamper the obtainment of high-resolution images. In the study, the researchers show that a particular disposition of light and a path created by an ultra-thin optical component composed of an array of nanocolumns on a glass surface can break the limitations otherwise imposed by diffraction. The next generation of microscopes could be built with this arrangement.

This method, named BICI, can extend the range of high-resolution images by over 12-fold compared to the state-of-the-art techniques. He is a member of the Queen's Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research.

Cancer cell detection and real-time diagnosis can be achieved through the use of microscopes in three dimensions.

The new method is faster than the previous method, which is not suitable for in-vivo images. The new proposed technique does not require additional computational capacity because it is an optical solution.

Cancer diagnoses are one of the main applications for the new method and can be easily overlooked. BICI has the potential to enable early and accurate detection and diagnosis.

More information: Masoud Pahlevaninezhad et al, Metasurface-based bijective illumination collection imaging provides high-resolution tomography in three dimensions, Nature Photonics (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-022-00956-6 Journal information: Nature Photonics Citation: New microscopic imaging method allows capture of high resolution and tridimensional images (2022, March 22) retrieved 22 March 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-03-microscopic-imaging-method-capture-high.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.