Recent advances in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has attracted much attention in recent years as a technology which enables noninvasive observation of fine structures with more than lambda/10 resolution in far-field microscopy. The resolution is enhanced based on detection of a subpopulation of fluorescent molecules within a diffraction-limited area by switching off fluorescence in various ways. Many conventional and new dyes are applicable for realizing super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy also makes new nanofabrication and recording techniques possible. In this review, the brief history of the field is overviewed, and the key features of individual microscopy techniques are explained in terms of photochemistry with most recent papers. Future outlook of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy is also discussed.status: publishe