Graphene layer enables advance in super-resolution microscopy: Göttingen researchers develop a new method allowing ten-fold improvement in optical resolution

Researchers have developed a new method that uses the unusual properties of graphene to interact with fluorescing molecules. This method allows scientists to optically measure extremely small distances, in the order of 1 ångström (one ten-billionth of a meter) with high accuracy for the first time. This enabled researchers to measure the thickness of lipid bilayers, the stuff that makes the membranes of all living cells.