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Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
Plasmon-enhanced total-internal-reflection fluorescence by momentum-mismatched surface nanostructures
Kyujung Kim1, Youngjin Oh, Kyungjae Ma
1Program for Nanomedical Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea 120-749.
Optics Letters
|December 18, 2009
Summary
We explored plasmon-enhanced fluorescence imaging using metallic nanostructures. Optimizing momentum mismatching significantly boosts fluorescence emission, offering critical improvements for imaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence imaging utilizes metallic nanostructures to amplify optical signals.
- Achieving optimal enhancement requires careful consideration of plasmon resonance and near-field intensity conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the optimum conditions for plasmon-enhanced total-internal-reflection fluorescence imaging.
- To understand the role of momentum mismatching in enhancing fluorescence emission.
Main Methods:
- Rigorous coupled-wave analysis was employed to calculate plasmon-associated near-field and far-field characteristics.
- Experimental measurements of near-field intensity were performed using fluorescent beads on silver thin films, nanogratings, and nanoislands.
Main Results:
- Calculations and experiments confirmed that momentum mismatching during plasmon excitation substantially increases fluorescence emission.
- The degree of improvement was found to be dependent on the specific nanostructure geometry.
Conclusions:
- Momentum mismatching is a critical factor for maximizing fluorescence enhancement in plasmon-based imaging.
- Tailoring nanostructure design can lead to significant improvements in sensitivity and resolution for fluorescence microscopy.
