Quantum-Optically Enhanced STORM (QUEST) for Multi-Emitter Localization

Abstract

Super-resolution imaging has introduced new capabilities to investigate processes at the nanometer scale by optical means. However, most super-resolution techniques require either sparse excitation of few emitters or analysis of high-order cumulants in order to identify several emitters in close vicinity. Here, we present an approach that draws upon methods from quantum optics to perform localization super-resolution imaging of densely packed emitters and determine their number automatically: Quantum-optically enhanced STORM (QUEST). By exploiting normalized photon correlations, we predict a localization precision below 30 nm or better even for closely spaced emitter up to a density of 125 emitters per μm at photon emission rates of 105 photons per second and emitter. Our technique does not require complex experimental arrangements and relies solely on spatially resolved time streams of photons and subsequent data analysis.

Super-resolution enhancement by quantum image scanning microscopy

“…The continuous and rapid improvement in detector technology has enabled two more recent developments in the field of super-resolution microscopy, which are the center of this work: quantum super-resolution microscopy and image scanning microscopy (ISM). As for the first, a surge of interest in super-resolution imaging based on quantum optics concepts [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] , inspired and facilitated by the progress in high temporal resolution imagers, resulted in a few successful proof-of-principle demonstrations 7,8,14 . The second, ISM, relies on a small array of fast detector and offers a two-fold enhancement of resolution 15,16 .…”

Color centers in wide-bandgap semiconductors for subdiffraction imaging: a review

“…Localization precision below 30 nm or better has been theoretically predicted using antibunching and photoswitching (quantum-optically enhanced STORM) of multiple emitters, even when closely spaced (125 emitters per μm). 56 Super-resolution Q-ISM has recently proved an increase in the resolution of confocal scanning microscopy up to twofold, and it has been applied to microtubules of fixed 3T3 cells labeled with QDs. 57 Images of the microtubules with confocal scanning microscopy, ISM, and Q-ISM are compared.…”

“…54,55 These quantum methods can also be used to enhance conventional SRM, such as quantum-enhanced STORM. 56,57 One of the most promising applications of NV centers in NDs is to achieve highly localized temperature sensing, 58 which could be combined with super-resolution methods. In addition to the most notable NV in diamond, other CCs in diamond, mainly siliconvacancy (SiV), in SiC, and few layers of hBN have emerged as possible tools for SRM; alternatively, these CCs can be better studied using SRM.…”

Quantum Biotechnology

“…Quantum effects can be used to extend the resolution of STORM resolution as well as other super-resolution techniques. For instance, the anti-bunching properties of the photons emitted by fluorophores [216] have been demonstrated to enhance the resolution and contrast of imaging [217,218]. This relies on using the photons statistics to identify how many emitters exist at a given pixel and requires only relatively minor setup modifications: fast single-photon resolving avalanche Left: schematic of current superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-MEG and OPM-MEG systems together.…”

“…photodiode arrays [219] or fiber bundle cameras [217] instead of CCDs [218]. Successful Quantum-enhanced STORM has been demonstrated [218], along with other super resolution techniques [16], paving the way to potential real-time molecular imaging.…”