Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Microscopy

STED microscopy is a super-resolution technique based on the process of stimulated emission depletion. It employs a pair of synchronized laser beams focused onto a specimen to achieve nanoscale resolution. A high-power depletion laser beam is utilized to deplete the fluorescence of excited molecules outside of the focal spot.

STED microscopy offers numerous advantages, including:

Sub-diffraction-limit resolution, allowing visualization of structures below the diffraction limit of conventional optical microscopy.
High specificity and contrast, enabling clear discrimination of cellular components.
Live-cell imaging capabilities, facilitating the study of cellular processes in real time.

Applications of STED Microscopy:

STED microscopy has a wide range of applications in biological research, including:

Localization and characterization of cellular proteins and structures
Analysis of subcellular dynamics and interactions
Imaging of thick specimens and tissues