Spatial light modulators have become an essential tool for advanced microscopy, enabling breakthroughs in 3D, phase, and super-resolution imaging. However, continuous spatial-light modulation that is capable of capturing sub-millisecond microscopic motion without diffraction artifacts and polarization dependence is challenging. Here we present a photothermal spatial light modulator (PT-SLM) enabling fast phase imaging for nanoscopic 3D reconstruction. The PT-SLM can generate a step-like wavefront change, free of diffraction artifacts, with a high transmittance and a modulation efficiency independent of light polarization. We achieve a phase-shift > π and a response time as short as 70 µs with a theoretical limit in the sub microsecond range. We used the PT-SLM to perform quantitative phase imaging of sub-diffractional species to decipher the 3D nanoscopic displacement of microtubules and study the trajectory of a diffusive microtubule-associated protein, providing insights into the mechanism of protein navigation through a complex microtubule network.
- MeSH
- časové faktory MeSH
- interferenční mikroskopie metody statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- kovové nanočástice ultrastruktura MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikroskopie atomárních sil MeSH
- mikroskopie fázově kontrastní metody statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- mikrotubuly metabolismus ultrastruktura MeSH
- nanotechnologie MeSH
- nanotrubičky ultrastruktura MeSH
- optické jevy MeSH
- počítačová simulace MeSH
- proteiny asociované s mikrotubuly metabolismus MeSH
- proteiny buněčného cyklu metabolismus MeSH
- Schizosaccharomyces pombe - proteiny metabolismus MeSH
- světlo MeSH
- tubulin metabolismus MeSH
- zlato MeSH
- zobrazování trojrozměrné metody statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Refractometric sensors utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) should satisfy a series of performance metrics, bulk sensitivity, thin-film sensitivity, refractive-index resolution, and high-Q-factor resonance, as well as practical requirements such as manufacturability and the ability to separate optical and fluidic paths via reflection-mode sensing. While many geometries such as nanohole, nanoslit, and nanoparticles have been employed, it is nontrivial to engineer nanostructures to satisfy all of the aforementioned requirements. We combine gold nanohole arrays with a water-index-matched Cytop film to demonstrate reflection-mode, high-Q-factor (Qexp = 143) symmetric plasmonic sensor architecture. Using template stripping with a Cytop film, we can replicate a large number of index-symmetric nanohole arrays, which support sharp plasmonic resonances that can be probed by light reflected from their backside with a high extinction amplitude. The reflection geometry separates the optical and microfluidic paths without sacrificing sensor performance as is the case of standard (index-asymmetric) nanohole arrays. Furthermore, plasmon hybridization caused by the array refractive-index symmetry enables dual-mode detection that allows distinction of refractive-index changes occurring at different distances from the surface, making it possible to identify SPR response from differently sized particles or to distinguish binding events near the surface from bulk index changes. Due to the unique combination of a dual-mode reflection-configuration sensing, high-Q plasmonic modes, and template-stripping nanofabrication, this platform can extend the utility of nanohole SPR for sensing applications involving biomolecules, polymers, nanovesicles, and biomembranes.
- MeSH
- biosenzitivní techniky metody MeSH
- fosfatidylcholiny chemie MeSH
- limita detekce MeSH
- liposomy analýza chemie MeSH
- nanopóry * MeSH
- oxid hlinitý chemie MeSH
- povrchová plasmonová rezonance metody MeSH
- sérový albumin hovězí analýza MeSH
- skot MeSH
- zlato chemie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- skot MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
