Evanescent-wave-induced frequency shift for optical superresolution imaging

Opt Lett. 2013 Jul 15;38(14):2455-8. doi: 10.1364/OL.38.002455.

Abstract

We propose a method to enhance the resolution and break the diffraction limit. The superresolution imaging is realized by incorporating total internal reflection (TIR) illumination with a passive spatial frequency shift mechanism. Meanwhile, TIR supplies a surface field with a limited penetration depth, which demonstrates that the axial resolution can be improved simultaneously. The superresolution capability is confirmed both theoretically and experimentally. Compared with microfiber-based former work, this idea possesses promising merits, providing a wider viewing field and a simpler configuration for variable illumination orientations, thereby implying abundant application potentials.