Polarimetric total internal reflection biosensing

Opt Express. 2011 Apr 11;19(8):7410-6. doi: 10.1364/OE.19.007410.

Abstract

In this paper, a concept of polarimetric total internal reflection (TIR) biosensor based on the method of temporal phase modulation is presented. Measurements of the phase difference between s- and p- polarized light combined with their amplitudes allow simultaneous detection of the bulk refractive index and thickness of the surface biofilms. Obtained experimental sensitivity is better than 10(-5) in terms of refractive index unit and 0.5 nm in biolayer thickness. Relatively simple technological implementation of the TIR sensors on the base of inexpensive and transparent substrates opens a number of novel applications in biosensing and microscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Microscopy, Polarization / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Polarization / methods*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Optics and Photonics*
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*
  • Refractometry / methods*
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / methods
  • Time Factors