EMPOWERing super-resolution microscopy via engineered microscope slide for on-chip patterned excitation

The EMPOWER project aims to make super resolution microscopy (SRM) more accessible by developing innovative microscope glass slides that serve as active optical components. Using femtosecond laser micromachining, the project will create integrated optical elements—waveguides, splitters, and mirrors—on a single chip to enable structured illumination microscopy. This technology will double image resolution while reducing costs and operational complexity, making SRM more widely available in biology research labs.