Scientists have discovered a new property of wave propagation that leads to a new way to improve the resolution of virtually all optical technologies, including microscope lenses, telecommunications, laser-based lithography, biological and astronomical imaging. All these systems transmit information and energy through wave propagation. Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have discovered that if light passes through asymmetric apertures, astigmatism arises and can degrade image resolution. Having identified this previously unsuspected problem, the researchers showed how to remedy it.