Peering Beyond the Diffraction Frontier: A Guide to Super-Resolution Microscopy

Optical super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has revolutionised our ability to see and visualise biological structures at the nanometre scale, overcoming the diffraction limit of conventional optical microscopy. This chapter comprehensively overviews various SRM techniques, including Structured Illumination Microscopy, Stimulated Emission Depletion microscopy, and Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy. We begin the chapter by exploring the diffraction limit and its implications and then move into the principles and applications of each SRM technique. We then highlight the advantages and shortcomings of each method we describe. Finally, we discuss the recent advances in 3D super-resolution imaging and the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance SRM capabilities. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical considerations, this chapter offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of super-resolution optical microscopy and its profound impact on biological discovery and innovation.