Resolution limit of image analysis algorithms

Abstract

Resolution is one of the most important properties of an imaging system, yet it remains difficult to define and apply. Rayleighs and Abbes resolution criteria1 were developed for observations with the human eye and had a major influence on the development of optical instruments. However, no systematic approach is available for the evaluation of the often complex image processing algorithms that have become central to the analysis of the imaging data that today is acquired by highly sensitive cameras.\n\nMany modern imaging experiments are based on the detection of objects. Examples are localization-based superresolution experiments (PALM, STORM, etc.2-4), experiments to investigate the arrangement of molecular complexes on the cellular membrane such as clathrin-coated pits5,6, experiments tracking single particles7, ...