Ionic Referencing in Surface Plasmon Microscopy: Visualization of the Difference in Surface Properties of Patterned Monomolecular Layers.

An approach for visualization of patterned monomolecular layers in surface plasmon microscopy (SPM) is suggested. The development of hidden image in SPM is achieved by referencing of images obtained in the presence of electrolytes with a high molar refraction of either anions or cations. A formation of diffuse layer near the charged surface areas leads to the redistribution of ions. The ratio of SPM images allows one to visualize this redistribution and to distinguish surface areas with different properties. The approach is unobtrusive and robust; it can be used with most surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging instruments.