As the control center of organisms, the brain remains little understood due to its complexity. Taking advantage of imaging methods, scientists have found an accessible approach to unraveling the mystery of neuroscience. Among these methods, optical imaging techniques are widely used due to their high molecular specificity and single-molecule sensitivity. Here, we overview several optical imaging techniques in neuroscience of recent years, including brain clearing, the micro-optical sectioning tomography system, and deep tissue imaging.

Optical microscopy promises researchers to see most tiny substances directly. However, the resolution of conventional microscopy is restricted by the di®raction limit. This makes it a challenge to observe subcellular processes happened in nanoscale. The development of superresolution microscopy provides a solution to this challenge. Here, we brie°y review several commonly used super-resolution techniques, explicating their basic principles and applications in biological science, especially in neuroscience. In addition, characteristics and limitations of each technique are compared to provide a guidance for biologists to choose the most suitable tool.