Recent Advances and Future Directions in Advanced Optical Imaging for Biomedical and Materials Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Optical microscopy has long been a cornerstone of scientific research, enabling unprecedented visualization of structures and dynamic processes across scales from subcellular organelles (nanometers) to tissue sections (millimeters) and even vivo biological systems. Over the past decade, this field has witnessed remarkable advancements that have transcended traditional limits: super-resolution techniques have overcome the diffraction barrier of light, including emerging near‑field and vibrational super-resolution approaches such as OPTIR, nanoIR microscopy, and TERS; quantitative phase imaging has enabled label‑free detection of transparent samples; and multi‑modal imaging systems have integrated complementary contrasts (e.g., fluorescence, Raman, and phase) to extract comprehensive biological/physical information. Meanwhile, the fusion of optical microscopy with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has further accelerated data analysis, improved imaging speed, and unlocked new capabilities such as real‑time image reconstruction and automated feature recognition.

However, challenges remain. For instance, balancing spatial resolution with imaging depth in thick biological tissues remains a key bottleneck; long‑term live‑cell imaging still faces issues around phototoxicity and photobleaching; and translating cutting‑edge laboratory techniques into clinical or industrial applications requires addressing issues related to cost, portability, and user‑friendliness. Additionally, as the demand for high‑throughput imaging grows (e.g., in drug screening or single‑cell sequencing), there is an urgent need for innovations in sample preparation, optical system design, and data storage/processing.

Against this backdrop, this Special Issue aims to compile state‑of‑the‑art research, critical reviews, and perspective articles that highlight the latest advancements in optical microscopy and map future directions for the field. We welcome submissions covering, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Novel super‑resolution microscopy techniques (e.g., next‑generation STED, STORM, MINFLUX, OPTIR, nanoIR microscopy, and TERS) and their optimization for in vivo and material‑related imaging;
• Label‑free optical microscopy (e.g., quantitative phase imaging, coherent anti‑Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy) and applications in biomedicine/ materials science;
• Multi‑modal and multi‑scale imaging systems (e.g., integration of optical microscopy with electron microscopy or X‑ray imaging);
• AI‑driven optical microscopy (e.g., AI‑based image reconstruction, denoising, or automated analysis pipelines);
• Development of advanced optical probes (e.g., photoswitchable fluorophores, quantum dot‑based probes) for high‑sensitivity imaging;
• Clinical and industrial applications of optical microscopy (e.g., point‑of‑care diagnostic microscopy, semiconductor defect inspection, or environmental monitoring);
• Solutions to key challenges (e.g., reducing phototoxicity, improving imaging depth, or miniaturizing microscopy systems).

By bringing together contributions from leading researchers and emerging scholars in academia and industry, this Special Issue will serve as a comprehensive reference for the optical microscopy community, facilitate knowledge exchange, and inspire new research directions to address the unmet needs of the field. We look forward to receiving your valuable submissions.

Dr. Hao Luo
Guest Editor

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• optical microscopy
• super-resolution imaging
• label-free microscopy
• spectromicroscopy
• multi-modal imaging
• AI-driven microscopy
• live-cell imaging
• optical probes
• quantitative phase imaging
• in vivo microscopy
• clinical/industrial microscopy applications