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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Oligomerization Dynamics of Cell Surface Receptors in Living Cells by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy Combined with Number and Brightness Analysis

Oligomerization Dynamics of Cell Surface Receptors in Living Cells by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy Combined with Number and Brightness Analysis

Published on: November 6, 2019

Sub-100-nanometre resolution in total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.

M Beck¹, M Aschwanden, A Stemmer

¹Nanotechnology Group, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.

Journal of Microscopy

|November 20, 2008

Summary

This study introduces a new method combining total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and structured illumination for high-resolution imaging. The technique achieves a lateral resolution of 89 nm, enabling detailed visualization of sub-100-nanometre structures.

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

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Area of Science:

Optics and Photonics
Biophysics
Microscopy

Background:

Advanced microscopy techniques are crucial for visualizing cellular structures at the nanoscale.
Sub-100-nanometre resolution in optical wide-field imaging remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel optical wide-field imaging method with sub-100-nanometre resolution.
To enhance three-dimensional control over excitation patterns in fluorescence microscopy.

Main Methods:

Utilized a combination of total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and structured illumination.
Implemented a novel objective-launch setup for standing wave illumination.
Employed a tunable transmission diffraction grating and electro-active polymer-actuated phase shifters for 3D excitation pattern control.
Developed a new apodization function for extended image spectrum reconstruction.

Main Results:

Achieved a lateral resolution of 89 nm for green emission wavelengths.
Demonstrated image acquisition in under 1 second.
Enabled precise 3D control of excitation patterns.

Conclusions:

The presented method significantly advances optical wide-field imaging resolution.
This technique offers a fast and effective approach for nanoscale imaging in biological and physical sciences.