Pioneering Superlens Developed As Optical Microscopy Advances to Great Lengths
On 18 October, in a significant advancement in the realm of optical microscopy, physicists at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have developed a superlensing microscope that remarkably does not rely on a superlens. This innovative approach is set to revolutionize imaging across various fields, including medical diagnostics, archaeology, and forensics.
Historically, optical microscopes have been constrained by the diffraction limit, which prevents the observation of objects smaller than half the wavelength of light. To surpass this limitation, the concept of a superlens was introduced. A superlens, crafted from metamaterials, can operate beyond this diffraction limit by producing nanometer-sized images. However, these superlenses often face challenges, such as image distortion due to close proximity to the object or excessive light absorption.
The team, led by Alessandro Tuniz, devised an alternative method to capture high-resolution images of minuscule objects without the need for a superlens. They strategically placed the light source at a distance from the object, capturing both high and low-resolution data. The low-resolution data was then filtered out during a post-processing step on a computer, resulting in a clear, high-resolution image. This technique leverages the amplification of evanescent or vanishing light waves, producing an accurate representation of the object.
These developments come at a crucial time, as the global demand for advanced optical solutions is on the rise. According to a market report from MarketsandMarkets, the aspherical lens market is projected to grow from USD 9.0 billion in 2023 to USD 12.2 billion by 2028. The surging use of aspherical lenses in optical instruments, ophthalmic applications, and the automotive sector underscores the importance of innovations in lens technology. Aspherical lenses, known for minimizing spherical aberrations, offer clearer images and are pivotal in applications requiring high light throughput.
Furthermore, the microscopy market, as detailed in another MarketsandMarkets report, is estimated to reach $9.5 billion by 2027. The increasing focus on nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, and academia-industry collaborations are driving this growth. Advanced microscopy techniques, such as the ones introduced in the aforementioned studies, could further propel the market, offering solutions that cater to the evolving needs of research and industry.
The researchers utilized light at terahertz frequency, positioned between visible and microwave frequencies, making it ideal for biological imaging, such as visualizing protein structures or detecting cancerous cells. Beyond medical applications, this method holds potential in diverse areas, from assessing microchip integrity to revealing hidden layers in artworks, possibly aiding in detecting art forgeries.
This breakthrough, published in the journal Nature Communications, signifies a monumental step in optical imaging, offering a more versatile and efficient approach to microscopy.
Tuniz, A., Kuhlmey, B.T. Subwavelength terahertz imaging via virtual superlensing in the radiating near field. Nat Commun 14, 6393 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41949-5
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The researchers utilized light at terahertz frequency, positioned between visible and microwave frequencies, making it ideal for biological imaging
The team, led by Alessandro Tuniz, devised an alternative method to capture high-resolution images of minuscule objects without the need for a superlens.
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