Probing subdiffraction limit separations with plasmon coupling microscopy: concepts and applications

Chem Soc Rev. 2014 Jun 7;43(11):3884-97. doi: 10.1039/c3cs60340g. Epub 2014 Jan 6.

Abstract

Due to their advantageous material properties, noble metal nanoparticles are versatile tools in biosensing and imaging. A characteristic feature of gold and silver nanoparticles is their ability to sustain localized surface plasmons that provide both large optical cross-sections and extraordinary photophysical stability. Plasmon coupling microscopy takes advantage of the beneficial optical properties and utilizes electromagnetic near-field coupling between individual noble metal nanoparticle labels to resolve subdiffraction limit separations in an all-optical fashion. This Tutorial provides an introduction into the physical concepts underlying distance dependent plasmon coupling, discusses potential experimental implementation of plasmon coupling microscopy, and reviews applications in the area of biosensing and imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Diagnostic Imaging / instrumentation
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Microscopy / instrumentation*
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques*
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Silver
  • Gold