Explain the application of wave optics in micro... - SS2 Physics Optics - Wave Optics Question

Microscopy techniques rely on the wave nature of light to achieve high-resolution imaging of microscopic objects. Techniques such as confocal microscopy and super-resolution microscopy exploit the properties of light waves to overcome the diffraction limit and achieve detailed imaging of subcellular structures. Confocal microscopy uses a pinhole and a scanning laser beam to eliminate out-of-focus light, resulting in sharper images with improved resolution. Super-resolution microscopy techniques, such as stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and structured illumination microscopy (SIM), use clever methods to manipulate the light waves and achieve resolutions beyond the diffraction limit. The essay should discuss the principles and advantages of these microscopy techniques and their applications in various fields, including biological and materials science research.