Photonic resonator interferometric scattering microscopy

Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 19;12(1):1744. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21999-3.

Abstract

Interferometric scattering microscopy is increasingly employed in biomedical research owing to its extraordinary capability of detecting nano-objects individually through their intrinsic elastic scattering. To significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio without increasing illumination intensity, we developed photonic resonator interferometric scattering microscopy (PRISM) in which a dielectric photonic crystal (PC) resonator is utilized as the sample substrate. The scattered light is amplified by the PC through resonant near-field enhancement, which then interferes with the <1% transmitted light to create a large intensity contrast. Importantly, the scattered photons assume the wavevectors delineated by PC's photonic band structure, resulting in the ability to utilize a non-immersion objective without significant loss at illumination density as low as 25 W cm-2. An analytical model of the scattering process is discussed, followed by demonstration of virus and protein detection. The results showcase the promise of nanophotonic surfaces in the development of resonance-enhanced interferometric microscopies.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Equipment Design
  • Gold
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Metal Nanoparticles
  • Microscopy, Interference / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Interference / methods*
  • Nanostructures
  • Optics and Photonics / instrumentation*
  • Optics and Photonics / methods*
  • Photons
  • Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Virion / isolation & purification
  • Viruses / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Gold