A method for
high spatial resolution examination of samples, preferably by using a
laser scanning
fluorescence microscope, the sample (1) to be examined comprising a substance that can be repeatedly converted from a first state (Z1, A) into a second state (Z2, B), the first and the second states (Z1, A; Z2, B) differing from one another in at least one
optical property, comprising the following steps:a) the substance is brought into the first state (Z1, A) by means of a
switching signal (2) in a sample region (P) to be recorded,b) the second state (Z2, B) is induced by means of an optical
signal (4), spatially delimited subregions being specifically excluded within the sample region (P) to be recorded,c) the remaining first states (Z1, A1, A2, A3) are read out by means of a test
signal (7), andd) steps a) to c) are repeated, the optical
signal (4) being displaced upon each repetition in order to scan the sample (1),is defined in that the individual steps a) to d) are carried out in a sequence adapted to the respective measuring situation.