Calcite-Assisted Localization and Kinetics (CLocK) Microscopy

J Phys Chem Lett. 2022 Nov 17;13(45):10527-10533. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c03028. Epub 2022 Nov 7.

Abstract

Localization-based super-resolution imaging techniques have improved the spatial resolution of optical microscopy well below the diffraction limit, yet encoding additional information into super-resolved images, such as anisotropy and orientation, remains a challenge. Here we introduce calcite-assisted localization and kinetics (CLocK) microscopy, a multiparameter super-resolution imaging technique easily integrated into any existing optical microscope setup at low cost and with straightforward analysis. By placing a rotating calcite crystal in the infinity space of an optical microscope, CLocK microscopy provides immediate polarization and orientation information while maintaining the ability to localize an emitter/scatterer with <10 nm resolution. Further, kinetic information an order of magnitude shorter than the integration time of the camera is encoded in the unique point spread function of a CLocK image, allowing for new mechanistic insight into dynamic processes such as single-nanoparticle dissolution and single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Carbonate*
  • Kinetics
  • Microscopy*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman

Substances

  • Calcium Carbonate