Nanoscale Imaging

Patent Status

Brief Description

Cathodoluminescence (CL) is used for nanoscale imaging by detecting the light generated in the sample by the application of an electron beam. Direct CL has also been used to image biological samples, but typically causes damage to the sample and can result in poor imaging quality.  Methods which incorporate inorganic cathodoluminescent nanoparticle labels into a biological sample result in less sample damage, but imaging with nanoparticle labels requires the electron beam to penetrate into the sample, which precludes repeated measurements or observations of dynamics.

A UC Berkeley researcher has developed an optical imaging system and method for producing nanoscale images with high resolution, images of fragile samples without damaging the samples and that can be used for repeated imaging of a sample which allows observation of sample dynamics. 

Suggested uses

• Nanoscale imaging of samples (including fragile biological molecules)
• Imaging chip
• Near-field optical probes

Advantages

• Nanoscale images obtained without electron beam damage to the sample
• Multiple images of the sample can be obtained for observation of sample dynamics
• Acquires images at rates similar to other rapid imaging techniques (e.g., dark-field scattering microscopy, total internal fluorescence microscopy) with higher spatial resolution