SMLM,
a brief overview

PSF correction icon

Correct

PSF

Signal increase icon

Increase

signal

3D localization icon

Go 3D

with PSF shaping

About the technique

In order to fully benefit from the resolving power of single molecule localization techniques, it is very important to minimize aberrations that arise in real life situations.

The microscope’s components, the refractive index mismatch between the objective and the immersion medium, and the biological sample itself can all introduce various types of aberrations.

This results in a degradation of the PSF’s quality which leads to a reduction in the number of detected photons and, ultimately, a reduction in resolution.

Example of AO benefits on protein complexes imaged with PALM & dSTORM

What can AO bring ?

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Perfect the PSF : Increase number of photons & localization precision in 2D

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Restore PSF axial symmetry : Increase 3D localization precision by restoring symmetry of the calibration curve

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Benefit from various PSF shaping capabilities : Astigmatism, Tetrapod

A PSF before and after correction with adaptive optics

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