Super-resolution microscopy describes methods that can resolve features smaller than the classical resolution limit (~200 nm or about half the wavelength of the emitted light).  Three different approaches are available on the UC-Davis main campus: 

• STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion)
• SIM (Structured Illumination Microscopy)

Each method is unique in the required sample preparation and their relative strengths.  Our facility houses SIM instruments.  STED is housed in the Health Sciences… (< link to the website>). 

Benefits of our SIM super-resolution approaches:

• Relatively simple sample preparation
• Sample preps are simple modifications of existing immunofluorescence protocols
• Can label three or four objects simultaneously
• Images are acquired on familiar inverted microscope stands

Ideally suited for:

• Subjects within ~100 um of the cover glass
• Cells, tissue sections, some model organisms

Not Suited For:

• Very thick or optically dense samples