The optical microscopy with virtual image breaks a record: 50-nm resolution imaging is demonstrated

摘要

We demonstrate a new 'microsphere nanoscope' that uses ordinary SiO2microspheres as superlenses to create a virtual image of the object in nearfield. The magnified virtual image greatly overcomes the diffraction limit. Weare able to resolve clearly 50-nm objects under a standard white light sourcein both transmission and reflection modes. The resolution achieved for whitelight opens a new opportunity to image viruses, DNA and molecules in real time.