Optical microscopy plays a key role in the fields such as biology,medicine,materials science,and precision measurement,providing a powerful tool for exploration in microscales.However,traditional optical microscopy systems are constrained by the diffraction limit,with a maximum resolution of approximately half of wavelength(λ/2).In recent years,super-resolution imaging beyond the diffraction limit has attracted attention in the field of microscopy.Dielectric microsphere lenses have demonstrated the capability to focus the incident light in a narrow region breaking Abbe's diffraction limit with the full width at half maximum of focal spot smaller than λ/2.Microsphere super-resolution imaging demonstrates the advantages prior to other alternative techniques,including the easy-to-use,free of fluorescence labels,real-time imaging,and compatibility with established microscopy systems.It opens up new opportunities in academic research and practical applications.In this review,the principle of microsphere super-resolution imaging was introduced.Subsequently,the key parameters that affect imaging capability were analyzed in details,including microsphere optical properties,environmental suitability,and controllability.Finally,the applications of microsphere super-resolution imaging in biomedicine,semiconductors,and nanomaterials were explored.Furthermore,the major challenges to development of microsphere super-resolution imagining were prospected.
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