Abstract

We report bright-field and dark-field surface-plasmon imaging using a modified solid immersion lens and a commercial objective of moderate NA in the epi configuration. The contrast and resolution are extremely good, giving well-resolved images of protein monolayers both in air and in water. We also describe a two-part solid immersion lens that allows the sample to be moved without degrading the image quality in any observable way. The merits of the two-part lens are discussed and compared to commercially available microscope objectives. Finally, we introduce a simple Green's function model that illustrates the key features of both bright-field and dark-field surface-plasmon imaging.

© 2006 Optical Society of America

High-resolution scanning surface-plasmon microscopy

Michael G. Somekh, Shugang Liu, Tzvetan S. Velinov, and Chung Wah See
Appl. Opt. 39(34) 6279-6287 (2000)

Wide-field high-resolution solid immersion fluorescence microscopy applying an aplanatic solid immersion lens

Lin Wang, Mark C. Pitter, and Michael G. Somekh
Appl. Opt. 49(31) 6160-6169 (2010)

Optical V(z) for high-resolution 2π surface plasmon microscopy

M. G. Somekh, S. G. Liu, T. S. Velinov, and C. W. See
Opt. Lett. 25(11) 823-825 (2000)

Surface plasmon-enhanced dark-field microsphere-assisted microscopy

Yurong Cao, Songlin Yang, Dong Wang, Jianguo Wang, and Yong-Hong Ye
Opt. Express 31(5) 8641-8649 (2023)

Theoretical study of near-field optical storage with a solid immersion lens

Yaoju Zhang
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 23(9) 2132-2136 (2006)