# Interferometric Scattering (iSCAT) Microscopy & Related Techniques

## TL;DR

Interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy is a highly sensitive, label-free imaging technique that enables high-resolution detection of nanoparticles and single molecules, expanding research possibilities across multiple scientific disciplines.

## Contribution

This paper reviews the development, theory, and applications of iSCAT microscopy, highlighting its capabilities for high-sensitivity, high-speed, label-free detection of nanoscale objects.

## Key findings

- iSCAT microscopy achieves single-molecule sensitivity
- It enables high spatio-temporal resolution imaging
- The technique has broad applications across disciplines

## Abstract

Interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy is a powerful tool for label-free sensitive detection and imaging of nanoparticles to high spatio-temporal resolution. As it was born out of detection principles central to conventional microscopy, we begin by surveying the historical development of the microscope to examine how the exciting possibility for interferometric scattering microscopy with sensitivities sufficient to observe single molecules has become a reality. We discuss the theory of interferometric detection and also issues relevant to achieving a high detection sensitivity and speed. A showcase of numerous applications and avenues of novel research across various disciplines that iSCAT microscopy has opened up is also presented.