Three-dimensional nanoscopy of colloidal crystals.
We demonstrate the direct three-dimensional imaging of densely packed colloidal nanostructures using stimulated emission depletion microscopy. A combination of two de-excitation patterns yields a resolution of 43 nm in the lateral and 125 nm in the axial direction and an effective focal volume that is by 126-fold smaller than that of a corresponding confocal microscope. The mapping of a model system of spheres organized by confined convective assembly unambiguously identified face-centered cubic, hexagonal close-packed, random hexagonal close-packed, and body-centered cubic structures.
Harke
Benjamin
B
Department of Nanobiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Ullal
Chaitanya K
CK
Keller
Jan
J
Hell
Stefan W
SW
D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D003102:Colloids