Open AccessEvanescent-wave fluorescence microscopy using symmetric planar waveguides
Author(s) -
Björn Agnarsson,
Sævar Ingþórsson,
Thorarinn Gudjonsson,
Kristján Leósson
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.005075
Subject(s) - optics , materials science , cladding (metalworking) , planar , refractive index , waveguide , microscopy , excitation , total internal reflection , penetration depth , evanescent wave , fluorescence microscope , fluorescence , optoelectronics , physics , computer graphics (images) , quantum mechanics , computer science , metallurgy
We describe a new evanescent-wave fluorescence excitation method, ideally suited for imaging of biological samples. The excitation light propagates in a planar optical waveguide, consisting of a thin waveguide core sandwiched between a sample in an aqueous solution and a polymer with a matching refractive index, forming a symmetric cladding environment. This configuration offers clear advantages over other waveguide-excitation methods, such as superior image quality, wide tunability of the evanescent field penetration depth and compatibility with optical fibers. The method is well suited for cell membrane imaging on cells in culture, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, monitoring of surface binding events and similar applications involving aqueous solutions.