Super-resolution Reflection Microscopy via Absorbance Modulation

In recent years, fluorescence microscopy has been revolutionized. Reversible switching of fluorophores enabled circumventing the limits imposed by diffraction. Thus, resolution down to molecular scale became possible. However, best our knowledge, application principles underlying super-resolution reflection not experimentally demonstrated. Here, we present first evidence that this is indeed A layer photochromic molecules referred as absorbance modulation (AML) applied a sample under investigation. The AML-coated then sequentially illuminated with one-dimensional (1D) focal intensity distribution (similar transverse laser mode TEM01) at wavelength λ1 = 325 nm create subwavelength aperture within AML, followed illumination Gaussian spot λ2 633 for high-resolution imaging. Using method, called imaging (AMI) in reflection, demonstrate 2.4-fold enhancement over diffraction limit numerical (NA) 0.65 and (λ) nm.