title: Block copolymer nanostructures mapped by far-field optics.
abstract: We demonstrate stimulated emission depletion microscopy using opposing objective lenses to noninvasively reveal the nanoscale morphology of block copolymers in three dimensions with focused light. This is exemplified in a poly(styrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) model system in which contrast is achieved by specifically staining the vinylpyridine phase with a fluorescent dye. We image swelling induced mesopores and other convoluted structures within the bulk of samples, at scales that have so far required electron and scanning probe microscopes.
authors.affiliation: Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Gottingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Chaitanya K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Ullal
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Stefan W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Hell
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Egner