Fluorescence engineering in metamaterial-assisted super-resolution localization microscope

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) offers sub-diffraction-limit resolution.
• Conventional SMLM requires specific probes and conditions.
• Metamaterial-assisted microscopy offers broader applicability with various fluorophores.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate fluorescence engineering in metamaterial-assisted localization microscopy.
• To explore the use of cyclic group metasurfaces for enhanced super-resolution imaging.
• To demonstrate tailored control over fluorophore photophysics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of cyclic group metasurfaces coated with fluorescent films.
• Characterization of fluorophore photoluminescence intensity and photobleaching lifetime.
• Application of spatially varied Purcell effect for fluorescence enhancement.
• Implementation of metamaterial-assisted super-resolution localization microscopy.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated spatially varied Purcell effect near metasurfaces.
• Observed tailored variations in fluorophore photoluminescence intensity and photobleaching lifetime.
• Achieved enhanced fluorophore emission and altered blinking dynamics.
• Obtained a super-resolution image with 0.9-nm localization accuracy.
• Increased signal-to-noise ratio due to enhanced fluorescence.

Conclusions:

• Metamaterial-assisted microscopy enables super-resolution imaging under general conditions.
• Cyclic group metasurfaces effectively engineer fluorescence via the Purcell effect.
• This approach significantly improves localization accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio.
• The findings advance light-matter interaction control beyond the diffraction limit.