A new type of optical biosensor system is proposed and its application to detection of antigen-antibody complexes on a silicon substrate is demonstrated. The biosensor system is utilizing specificities of biomolecular interactions in combination with protein patterned surfaces. Visualization of the thickness distributions of thin layers (protein patterns) on a surface is achieved by using imaging ellipsometry. This technique uses a CCD camera whereby an ellipsometric analysis of a large surface can be made. The biosensor system has the advantages of high spatial resolution, fast data acquisition, and simplicity in use.