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Far-field super-resolution chemical microscopy
Summary
Researchers reviewed recent advances in "far-field chemical microscopy," a group of techniques that create detailed molecular maps of materials without needing dyes or labels, while also breaking the traditional limits of optical resolution. These super-resolution chemical imaging methods are opening new windows for studying biological systems, identifying environmental contaminants like microplastics, and inspecting materials at the nanoscale.
Far-field chemical microscopy providing molecular electronic or vibrational fingerprint information opens a new window for the study of three-dimensional biological, material, and chemical systems. Chemical microscopy provides a nondestructive way of chemical identification without exterior labels. However, the diffraction limit of optics hindered it from discovering more details under the resolution limit. Recent development of super-resolution techniques gives enlightenment to open this door behind far-field chemical microscopy. Here, we review recent advances that have pushed the boundary of far-field chemical microscopy in terms of spatial resolution. We further highlight applications in biomedical research, material characterization, environmental study, cultural heritage conservation, and integrated chip inspection.
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