AN OPTICAL TRAIN AND METHOD FOR TIRF SINGLE MOLECULE DETECTION AND ANALYSIS

摘要

In one aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing the presence of a single molecule using total internal reflection. In one embodiment an apparatus for single molecule analysis includes a support having a sample located thereon; two sources of light at distinct wavelengths, a collimator for directing the light onto the sample through a total internal reflection objective; a receiver for receiving a fluorescent emission produced by a single molecule in the sample in response to the light; and a detector for detecting each of the wavelengths in the fluorescent emission. In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a focusing laser for maintaining focus of the objective on the sample.