Progress toward imaging biological samples with NSOM

M. Annie Lee; Chad E. Talley; Sarah A. Vickery; Jeffrey R. Krogmeier; Christopher W. Hollars; Hitoshi Shiku; Robert C. Dunn

doi:10.1117/12.350618

17 June 1999 Progress toward imaging biological samples with NSOM

M. Annie Lee, Chad E. Talley, Sarah A. Vickery, Jeffrey R. Krogmeier, Christopher W. Hollars, Hitoshi Shiku, Robert C. Dunn

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3607, Scanning and Force Microscopies for Biomedical Applications; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.350618
Event: BiOS '99 International Biomedical Optics Symposium, 1999, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Advancements in near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) tip design as well as an interferometric feedback mechanism are presented for the common goal of imaging living biological samples under physiological conditions. The ability of a cantilevered tip to track the subtle topography changes of a fragile lipid film in an aqueous environment is demonstrated. In order to further the imaging capabilities, the probes have been chemically etched to reduce the spring constants of the tips, thereby lowering the forces imparted on the sample. An optical feedback mechanism used as an alternative to the conventional force feedback is also described. Utilizing this optical feedback mechanism, images have been obtained of fixed cells underwater. Finally, progress towards modifying the NSOM tip for chemical sensor applications is discussed in the context of eventually measuring ion fluxes through single protein channels. Together these advancements demonstrate the potential of NSOM for studying live cells.

Citation Download Citation

M. Annie Lee, Chad E. Talley, Sarah A. Vickery, Jeffrey R. Krogmeier, Christopher W. Hollars, Hitoshi Shiku, and Robert C. Dunn "Progress toward imaging biological samples with NSOM", Proc. SPIE 3607, Scanning and Force Microscopies for Biomedical Applications, (17 June 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.350618

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available