Note on the classification of super-resolution in far-field microscopy and information theory

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new classification scheme for super-resolution microscopy techniques based on reconstructing the Abbe limit, addressing limitations of existing information capacity-based classifications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel classification framework for super-resolution microscopy that extends beyond existing information capacity models by focusing on the Abbe limit reconstruction.

Findings

Existing schemes based on information capacity are limited.

The proposed classification unifies various super-resolution techniques.

It provides a clearer understanding of the fundamental limits of microscopy.

Abstract

In recent years several far-field microscopy techniques have been developed which manage to overcome the diffraction limit of resolution. A unifying classification scheme for them is clearly desirable. We argue that existing schemes based on the information capacity of the optical system can not easily be extended to cover e.g., STED microscopy or techniques based on single molecule imaging. We suggest a classification based on a reconstruction of the Abbe limit.