Open AccessSpatial resolution in prism-based surface plasmon resonance microscopy
Author(s) -
Loïc Laplatine,
Loïc Leroy,
R. Calemczuk,
Dieudonné R. Baganizi,
Patrice N. Marche,
Yoann Roupioz,
Thierry Livache
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.022771
Subject(s) - prism , optics , surface plasmon resonance , surface plasmon , image resolution , diffraction , materials science , microscopy , resolution (logic) , surface plasmon polariton , superlens , plasmon , near field scanning optical microscope , total internal reflection , refractive index , optical microscope , physics , nanotechnology , computer science , nanoparticle , artificial intelligence , scanning electron microscope
Several optical surface sensing techniques, such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), work by imaging the base of a prism by one of its faces. However, such a fundamental optical concern has not been fully analyzed and understood so far, and spatial resolution remains a critical and controversial issue. In SPR, the propagation length L(x) of the surface plasmon waves has been considered as the limiting factor. Here, we demonstrate that for unoptimized systems geometrical aberrations caused by the prism can be more limiting than the propagation length. By combining line-scan imaging mode with optimized prisms, we access the ultimate lateral resolution which is diffraction-limited by the object light diffusion. We describe several optimized configurations in water and discuss the trade-off between L(x) and sensitivity. The improvement of resolution is confirmed by imaging micro-structured PDMS stamps and individual living eukaryote cells and bacteria on field-of-view from 0.1 to 20 mm(2).