3D test sample for the calibration and quality control of stimulated emission depletion (STED) and confocal microscopes

Abstract

Van der Wee et al. establish a new colloidal crystal standard sample for the alignment and calibration of confocal and stimulated emission depletion microscopy. The sample is adjustable for different NA objectives and microscopy techniques and additionally can be used to measure point spread functions and evaluate refractive index mismatches as a function of depth quantitatively.