Optical super-resolution imaging by high-index microspheres embedded in elastomers

Opt Lett. 2015 Jan 1;40(1):5-8. doi: 10.1364/OL.40.000005.

Abstract

We demonstrated feasibility of super-resolution imaging through high-index microspheres embedded in transparent elastomers. We performed imaging, with resolution improvement by a factor of two, by using implanted barium titanate glass microspheres (diameters ∼30-150 μm and refractive index ∼1.9-2.1) in a thin film of polydimethylsiloxane elastomer placed over the specimen. Microsphere-assisted imaging technique is a promising candidate for applications in cancer research. As a proof-of-principle, we used microsphere-assisted imaging technique for the observation of radiation-induced γ-H2AX foci formation in U87 human glioblastoma cells irradiated by clinical proton beams.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Barium Compounds / chemistry
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Elastomers / chemistry*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Microspheres*
  • Optical Imaging / methods*
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Titanium / chemistry

Substances

  • Barium Compounds
  • Elastomers
  • barium titanate(IV)
  • Titanium