Quantitative Measurement of Resolution as a Function of Defocus in Different Microscopy Modalities Using a Simplified Technique

Published

September 23, 2015

Author(s)

Aric W. Sanders, Alexandra Curtin, Ryan Skinner

Abstract

The distance over which the resolution of a microscope image changes appreciably, related to the depth of field, is an important parameter. This value determines the height of an object that can be imaged and said to be “in focus”. Although this distance is important in microscopy, it is typically quoted from calculations based on simplified assumptions (such as perfect optics) or presented qualitatively. In order to measure the effects of defocussing in different microscopies, we use the logistic equation to determine image resolution from light-to-dark edge transitions. The characteristic distance over which the light-to-dark transition occurs has been related to the resolution of a spatially calibrated scanning transmission electron image of the Si lattice. An example of an image analyzed by this method is presented in Figure 1. Images like this provide many different light-to-dark transitions that provide a robust measurement of resolution. Here we use this definition of resolution to measure resolution at different values of defocus in different types of microscopy.

Proceedings Title

Microscopy and Microanyalsis

Volume

21

Conference Dates

August 2-6, 2015

Conference Location

Portland, OR

Pub Type

Conferences

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DOI Link

Keywords

microscopy, resolution, nanoscience

Citation

Sanders, A. , Curtin, A. and , R. (2015), Quantitative Measurement of Resolution as a Function of Defocus in Different Microscopy Modalities Using a Simplified Technique, Microscopy and Microanyalsis, Portland, OR, [online], https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927615009332 (Accessed October 9, 2025)