Superresolving phase conjugate scanning microscope.

Analytical and experimental results of a new type of optical scanning microscope, which uses a phase conjugate mirror and pinholes to achieve superresolution, are presented. The phase conjugate scanning microscope has a higher Rayleigh resolution limit and better sectioning discrimination than conventional, single pass, and double pass scanning microscopes. It also can reduce the effect of static and dynamic aberrations on the imaging process, is very easy to align, and has the potential of introducing optical power gain into the system.