Thus, the resolution limit is usually around λ/2 for conventional optical microscopy.

However, new technologies combined with optical microscopy are beginning to allow for increased feature resolution (see sections below).

Near-field optical microscopy uses a tip to scan an object.

Because of its very small size, picoplankton is difficult to study by classic methods such as optical microscopy.

In biological and medical science, the effect of second harmonic generation is used for high-resolution optical microscopy.

Solid immersion lens, a device usually used in optical microscopy.

After preparation, it is often analyzed using optical or electron microscopy.

The surface can then be observed in reflected light by optical microscopy.

He also developed methods for examining the microstructure of metals using optical microscopy.

Light optical microscopy, the method of image magnification used in most microscopes.