A team at the University of Tokyo have constructed an improved mid-infrared microscope, enabling them to see the structures inside living bacteria at the nanometer scale. Mid-infrared microscopy is typically limited by its low resolution, especially when compared to other microscopy techniques. This latest development produced images at 120 nanometers, which the researchers say is a thirtyfold improvement on the resolution of typical mid-infrared microscopes. Being able to view samples more clearly at this smaller scale can aid multiple fields of research, including into infectious diseases, and opens the way for developing even more accurate mid-infrared-based imaging in the future.

See below for more information.

• Ideguchi Group : https://takuroideguchi.jimdo.com/
• Aritcle URL : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01423-0
• UTokyo FOCUS : https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/press/z0508_00342.html