We present a theoretical study of a new highly efficient system for optical light collection, designed for ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of surface-bound molecules. The main core of the system is a paraboloid glass segment acting as a mirror for collecting the fluorescence. A special feature of the system is its ability to sample not only fluorescence that is emitted below the angle of total internal reflection (the critical angle) but also particularly the light above the critical angle. As shown, this is especially advantageous for collecting the fluorescence of surface-bound molecules. A comparison is made with conventional high-aperture microscope objectives. Furthermore, it is shown that the system allows not only for highly efficient light collection but also for confocal imaging of the detection region, which is of great importance for rejecting scattered light in potential applications such as the detection of only a few molecules.
We explore a new confocal microscope for the detection of surface-generated fluorescence. The instrument is designed for high resolution imaging as well as for the readout of large biochips. Special feature is the separated collection of two different fluorescence emission modes. One optical path covers the emission into the glass at low surface angles, the other captures high angles, exceeding the critical angle of the water/glass interface. Due to the collection of the supercritical angle fluorescence (SAF) the confocal detection volume is strictly confined to the interface, whereas the low angles collect much deeper from the aqueous analyte solution. Hence the system can deliver information about surfacebound and unbound fraction of fluorescent analyte simultaneously.
Surface-plasmon coupled emission (SPCE) has emerged as a new and potentially powerful tool for highly sensitive fluorescence detection. In the case of SPCE, the fluorescence is collected through a semi-transparent thin metal film deposited on glass. We present a theoretical analysis of SPCE, studying the potential enhancement of the fluorescence collection efficiency, brightness, quantum-yield, and photostability. The results are compared with fluorescence detection on a pure glass surface. It is shown that SPCE does not lead to any improvement, but that the metal film actually reduces the sensitivity of fluorescence detection.
We present a new concept for ultrasensitive detection of surface-generated fluorescence which is made possible by a new optical module. The detection method leads to an enhancement in fluorescence collection efficiency to more than 65% of the total of emitted light, whereas high-aperture microscope objectives are able to collect 44% at best. Moreover, by employing this new optical module, the detection volume can be restricted to approximately 10(-17) L. This allows for an exceptional discrimination of bulk-generated against surface-generated fluorescence, which may be of great value when surface-binding processes are monitored. We demonstrate the performance of the new detection system by detecting single fluorescent molecules and by determining antigen concentrations down to 5 fmol.
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