Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy01:05

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy

13.8K
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.
13.8K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Dissociable somatotopic representations of Chinese action verbs in the motor and premotor cortex.

Scientific reports·2013
Same author

High quantum-yield CdSexS1-x/ZnS core/shell quantum dots for warm white light-emitting diodes with good color rendering.

Nanotechnology·2013
Same author

A novel microfluidic mixer based on dual-hydrodynamic focusing for interrogating the kinetics of DNA-protein interaction.

The Analyst·2013
Same author

Correlation of reorientational jumps of water molecules in bulk water.

Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics·2013
Same author

Palladium-catalyzed direct arylation of C-H bond to construct quaternary carbon centers: the synthesis of diarylfluorene.

Organic letters·2013
Same author

Strength and fracture behavior of graphene grain boundaries: effects of temperature, inflection, and symmetry from molecular dynamics.

Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP·2013

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
06:26

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets

Published on: May 15, 2017

7.7K

Electrowetting-actuated optical switch based on total internal reflection.

Chao Liu, Di Wang, Li-Xiao Yao

    Applied Optics
    |May 14, 2015
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study presents a novel liquid optical switch utilizing total internal reflection. The device achieves light-on/off states by electrically altering liquid interfaces, enabling efficient light control and 100% attenuation.

    More Related Videos

    High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
    06:24

    High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal

    Published on: October 31, 2019

    7.0K
    An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation
    10:33

    An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation

    Published on: February 27, 2019

    9.1K

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Apr 12, 2026

    Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
    06:26

    Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets

    Published on: May 15, 2017

    7.7K
    High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
    06:24

    High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal

    Published on: October 31, 2019

    7.0K
    An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation
    10:33

    An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation

    Published on: February 27, 2019

    9.1K

    Area of Science:

    • Photonics and optical engineering
    • Materials science
    • Liquid-based microdevices

    Background:

    • Optical switches are crucial components in telecommunications and optical computing.
    • Existing optical switches often face limitations in terms of speed, cost, or efficiency.
    • Total internal reflection (TIR) offers a promising mechanism for efficient light manipulation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To demonstrate a novel liquid optical switch based on total internal reflection.
    • To investigate the electro-optic switching mechanism using conductive and silicone liquids.
    • To evaluate the performance characteristics, including response time and light attenuation.

    Main Methods:

    • Fabrication of indium tin oxide electrodes on a substrate.
    • Utilizing a chamber with a conductive liquid (Liquid 1) and a density-matched silicone oil (Liquid 2).
    • Applying voltage to alter the liquid-liquid interface curvature and control total internal reflection.

    Main Results:

    • The device functions as an optical switch, transitioning between light-off (TIR) and light-on (refraction) states.
    • Achieved 100% light intensity attenuation in the light-off state due to TIR.
    • Demonstrated response times of 130 ms (on to off) and 132 ms (off to on).

    Conclusions:

    • The proposed liquid optical switch effectively controls light transmission using electro-optically induced total internal reflection.
    • The device offers high light attenuation and rapid switching speeds.
    • Potential applications include variable optical attenuators, information displays, and light shutters.