Diffractionless optical microscopy with Type I diffracted photons

The Quantum Confinement Effect (QCE) image sensor can select Type I diffracted photons with particle behavior from an ensemble of photons. In this paper we analyze the application of the QCE image sensor in optical reflection microscopy. A successful breakdown of the diffraction limit has been achieved. QCE camera images were obtained with i) 60 nm x 60 nm, 45 nm x 45 nm, 25 nm x 25 nm square calibration grids and ii) 30 nm gold nanoparticle sample at a resolution of 12.5 nm, 49 x beyond the diffraction limit. The potential applications of diffractionless optical microscopy with Type I diffracted photons in optical microscopy of turbid media (medical, space and defense, and industrial fields) are investigated.