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Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy

Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy or TIRF is an advanced microscopic technique used to visualize fluorophores in samples close to a solid surface with a higher refractive index, such as a glass coverslip. TIRF only allows fluorophores in proximity to the solid surface to be excited. When light from a medium with a lower refractive index (such as air) hits the glass coverslip at a critical angle, the light undergoes total internal reflection stead of passing through the glass.

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Phase-sensitive silicon-based total internal reflection sensor.

S Patskovsky, M Meunier, A V Kabashin

|June 24, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a phase-sensitive silicon (Si) sensor for high-sensitivity bio- and chemical detection. It leverages total internal reflection to achieve precise measurements of refractive index changes.

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Area of Science:

Photonics and Nanotechnology
Biosensing Technologies
Materials Science

Background:

Current biosensing technologies face limitations in sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities.
Silicon (Si)-based microfabrication offers a robust platform for integrated optical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a novel phase-sensitive, silicon-based sensor utilizing Total Internal Reflection (TIR) for bio- and chemical analysis.
To demonstrate the high sensitivity and dynamic range achievable with this Si-based TIR sensor.

Main Methods:

Utilizing a silicon prism and monitoring light reflection from its internal edge.
Measuring the differential phase shift between p- and s-polarized light components upon reflection.
Leveraging the high refractive index of silicon for enhanced signal detection.

Main Results:

The phase-sensitive TIR method achieves high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range.
The silicon platform facilitates straightforward bioimmobilization.
The technology shows potential for developing advanced multi-channel microsensors.

Conclusions:

The proposed phase-sensitive Si-based TIR sensor offers a promising platform for sensitive and multiplexed bio- and chemical detection.
The integration with established silicon microfabrication technologies enables scalable and cost-effective sensor development.