Angular-dependent metal-enhanced fluorescence

摘要

The present invention relates to detection of fluorescence, and more particularly, to the use of fluorescent moieties in proximity to metallic surfaces to change the spatial distribution of fluorescence in an angular dependent manner and detecting emissions at a determined optimal detection angle thereby increasing sensitivity of the detection.

主权项

1. A method for detecting emissions from fluorescent molecules positioned near metallic structures, the method comprising:
(a) positioning the fluorescent molecules near the metallic structures immobilized on a surface, wherein the surface comprises a multiplicity of metallic structures and wherein the fluorescent molecules are positioned from about 5 nm to about 30 nm from the metallic structures; (b) irradiating the fluorescent molecules with polarized radiation and at an excitation incidence angle in an amount sufficient to cause non-radiative transfer of energy from the fluorescent molecules to plasmons on the metallic structures; and (c) detecting angular plasmonic emissions from the metallic structures in combination with scattered emissions from the fluorescent molecules, at a detection angle different from that of the excitation incidence angle and wherein the detection angle is about 180 degrees relative to the angle of incidence.