Three-dimensional interferometric scattering microscopy via remote focusing technique

Opt Lett. 2020 May 1;45(9):2628-2631. doi: 10.1364/OL.386172.

Abstract

Interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy enables us to track nm-sized objects with high spatial and temporal resolutions and permits label-free imaging of biomolecules. Its superb sensitivity, however, comes at a cost by several downsides, such as slow three-dimensional imaging and limited vertical tracking. Here, we propose a new method, Remote Focusing-iSCAT (RF-iSCAT) microscopy, to visualize a volume specimen by imaging sections at different depths without translation of either the objective lens or sample stage. We demonstrate the principle of RF-iSCAT by determining the z-position of submicrometer beads by translating the reference mirror instead. RF-iSCAT features an unprecedentedly long range of vertical tracking and permits fast but vibration-free vertical scanning. We anticipate that RF-iSCAT would enhance the utility of iSCAT for dynamics study.

MeSH terms

  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation*
  • Interferometry
  • Microscopy / instrumentation*
  • Optical Phenomena*