Interferometric Scattering (iSCAT) Microscopy and Related Techniques

Abstract

Interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy is a powerful tool for label-free sensitive detection and imaging of nanoparticles to high spatio-temporal resolution. As it was born out of detection principles central to conventional microscopy, we begin by surveying the historical development of the microscope to examine how the exciting possibility for interferometric scattering microscopy with sensitivities sufficient to observe single molecules has become a reality. We discuss the theory of interferometric detection and also issues relevant to achieving a high detection sensitivity and speed. A showcase of numerous applications and avenues of novel research across various disciplines that iSCAT microscopy has opened up is also presented.