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Updated: Oct 12, 2025
High-Throughput Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence and Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy Using a Photonic Chip
Published on: November 16, 2019
Planar photonic chips with tailored angular transmission for high-contrast-imaging devices
Yan Kuai1, Junxue Chen2, Zetao Fan1
1Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Advanced Laser Technology Laboratory of Anhui Province, Department of Optics and Optical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China.
This study introduces a photonic chip that enhances standard brightfield microscopy contrast. It enables darkfield and total internal reflection (TIR) imaging without special equipment, improving visualization of weak-absorption specimens.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Microscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Standard brightfield microscopy suffers from low contrast, particularly for thin or weakly absorbing specimens.
- Biological samples with refractive indices similar to their surroundings are difficult to image clearly.
- Specialized equipment like condensers or objectives are typically needed for enhanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for enhancing image contrast in standard brightfield microscopy.
- To enable darkfield and total internal reflection (TIR) microscopy using a single, simplified experimental setup.
- To create a versatile and compact imaging device for microscopy applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a planar photonic chip with tailored angular transmission as a sample substrate.
- The chip incorporates multilayer sections with designed photonic band gaps and dielectric nanoparticles.
- This approach avoids complex top-down nanofabrication processes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that standard brightfield microscopy can achieve both darkfield and TIR imaging modes with the photonic chip.
- Achieved enhanced image contrast without modifying the specimens or microscope configuration.
- The photonic chip effectively replaces the need for bulky condensers or specialized objectives.
Conclusions:
- The developed planar photonic chip significantly improves image contrast in brightfield microscopy.
- This technology facilitates versatile and compact microscope designs by integrating multiple imaging modes.
- It offers a scalable fabrication method for advanced microscopy substrates.
