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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Oligomerization Dynamics of Cell Surface Receptors in Living Cells by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy Combined with Number and Brightness Analysis

Oligomerization Dynamics of Cell Surface Receptors in Living Cells by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy Combined with Number and Brightness Analysis

Published on: November 6, 2019

Even illumination in total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy using laser light.

R Fiolka¹, Y Belyaev, H Ewers

¹Nanotechnology Group, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland.

Microscopy Research and Technique

|September 22, 2007

Summary

This study introduces a novel objective-launch total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy system. Azimuthal rotation of the laser beam ensures uniform specimen illumination, improving image analysis in fluorescence microscopy.

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Last Updated: Jul 11, 2026

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Area of Science:

Optical microscopy
Biophysics

Background:

Lasers are common light sources in fluorescence microscopy.
Nonuniform illumination from laser scattering degrades image quality.

Purpose of the Study:

To design and build a total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy system.
To achieve uniform specimen illumination using laser light.

Main Methods:

Developed an objective-launch total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy system.
Incorporated azimuthal rotation of the illuminating laser beam.
Enabled precise control over laser incidence angle.

Main Results:

Achieved excellent evenness of specimen illumination.
The system can be used for both total internal reflection and epifluorescence modes.
Facilitated quick and precise changes in laser incidence angle.

Conclusions:

The developed system overcomes laser scattering issues in wide-field imaging.
Uniform illumination enhances fluorescence microscopy image analysis.
The system's versatility supports multiple imaging modes.