Roadmap on Label-Free Super-Resolution Imaging

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Label-free super-resolution (LFSR) imaging utilizes light scattering, avoiding fluorescent staining needed in conventional super-resolved microscopy.
• Current LFSR techniques offer high axial and temporal resolution but face challenges in achieving true lateral super-resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive vision of LFSR imaging developments and the current state-of-the-art.
• To identify resolution boundaries and challenges in LFSR imaging, aiming to overcome the classical diffraction limit.
• To foster collaboration between physics and biomedical optics researchers in LFSR imaging.

Main Methods:

• Advanced interference detection techniques for enhanced axial and temporal resolution.
• Structured illumination, near-field scanning, and nonlinear optics for lateral super-resolution.
• Superlenses utilizing nanoplasmonics, metamaterials, transformation optics, and microsphere-assisted approaches.

Main Results:

• Exploration of diverse physical mechanisms for LFSR imaging.
• Identification of key areas for future research and development in LFSR.
• Bridging the gap between theoretical physics and practical biomedical applications.

Conclusions:

• LFSR imaging holds significant potential for surpassing the diffraction limit.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for advancing LFSR technology.
• This roadmap sets the stage for future research in label-free super-resolution imaging.