Direct imaging of single gold and polystyrene nanoparticles in the deep ultraviolet

The optical detection of nanoparticles plays a pivotal role across many fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology, yet the weak optical response of single nanoparticles in the visible spectral range often challenges their detection. Dielectric materials such as polystyrene nanoparticles are especially difficult to detect as they remain nearly transparent across the visible domain.

In our recent Optics Express publication, we present a novel application of ultraviolet microscopy for detecting single nanoparticles with high sensitivity and versatility. By leveraging the strong absorption of both metallic and dielectric nanoparticles in the UV spectral range, we demonstrate robust detection capabilities, validated through correlative electron microscopy and Mie theory simulations. This work offers significant advancements for nanoparticle analysis, with potential applications spanning across material science, biotechnology, and environmental monitoring.