Tech notes | Optics

SPR optics

SPR biosensors utilise the characteristic ‘dip’ in light intensity associated with surface plasmon polariton formation as a measure of the state of the sensor chip surface. This method is highly sensitive to changes in conditions such as the density of bound biomolecules or the wavelength of the incident light. In this section we will discuss some factors relating to the correct choice of optical system.

Detection modes

There are three main modes in which SPR can be detected and utilised.

Angular Detection

The most common technique measures the angle at which the greatest loss of light intensity, known as the SPR minimum, occurs. This allows direct measurement of changes in the refractive index as biomolecules bind to the sensor surface.

Intensity Detection

A simpler method involves measuring the intensity of the reflected light at a fixed angle. As the surface refractive index changes, the intensity curve will shift, leading to a change in intensity at this fixed angle. This technique requires less precision in the mechanism itself and so is well suited for simpler, cheaper devices.

Wavelength Detection

The last measurement mode involves the dependence of SPR on wavelength, irradiating the sensor chip with white light and examining the spectra which are returned. Binding events will lead to changes in the wavelength at which resonance occurs, and this can be detected via changes in the intensity across the spectrum.

In the majority of situations, Angular Detection remains the gold standard detection mode. Intensity and wavelength detection have their uses, particularly in waveguide coupled systems, but for most customers we recommend the purchase of a high quality system utilising angular detection methods.

Three SPR detection approaches: Intensity, resonance angle, resonance wavelength (left to right)
Three SPR detection approaches: Intensity, resonance angle, resonance wavelength (left to right)

Optical configurations

Light falling on a metal surface is not, by itself, able to create surface plasmons – it must be coupled to the surface via a refractive device. This process allows the incident light to properly interact with the sensor chip, as well as focusing the reflected light towards a suitable detector system. Several differing approaches can be used to achieve this.

Prism couplers

Prism couplers are the most widely used form of SPR sensor configuration, in which light is coupled to the sensor chip via a prism underneath the chip substrate. The gap between chip and prism is bridged by a matching fluid of suitable refractive index, usually immersion oil or elastomers.

Prism couplers 1

The figure shows a standard Kretschmann Configuration, which utilises a CCD/CMOS array to detect a wide angular range of reflected light. This configuration is robust, requiring a minimum of moving parts, and as such can be constructed in a compact manner. The wide range of simultaneous measurements also provides significant flexibility in experimental design. One disadvantage, however, is that the angular range that can be measured is usually fixed and difficult for users to alter. While the range (usually over 10 degrees) is large enough for almost all protocols, this can cause problems when needing to use less common experimental settings.

Prism couplers 2

An alternative to the use of a CCD involves scanning optics. This system uses moveable mirrors to constantly adjust the angle of the incoming light, thus scanning across the entire field of possible reflective angles. As the focal point is constant, this system requires only a small photodiode rather than the larger, more expensive, CCD/CMOS arrays. This in turn means that scanning optic systems can be produced at lower prices.

Unfortunately, the smaller photodiodes usually lead to significantly higher noise levels, approximately 10-fold higher than comparable array systems. Furthermore, the requirement for precision moving parts in the mirror control apparatus means that these instruments require more regular servicing.

SPR Grating Couplers

The prism does not need to be directly coupled to the chip, as can be observed in grating couplers. Here the sensor chip substrate is embossed with a diffractive grating, this splits the incident light beam into a number of beams exiting at various angles. These beams can be further collated and split by prism sets, allowing the intensity of the spectra to be observed.

SPR Grating Couplers

As the sensor chip is not directly coupled to a prism, the systems required for chip handling can be greatly simplified. This system also removes the requirement to precisely control the width of the plasmon-forming metal layer, although unfortunately the necessity of embossing the diffraction grating onto the chip does complicate the manufacturing process. Another important consideration is that, as the light must travel through the sample to reach the sensor chip, both analyte and buffer solution must be optically transparent.

Waveguides

The final method used in coupling light utilises a waveguide or optical fibre to transmit light perpendicular to the chip surface. Due to the simplicity of threading optical fibre these devices allow for extreme miniaturisation and siting in remote or inaccessible locations, and as such are of interest for production of monitoring systems. However, their small size leaves fibre optic systems very sensitive to mechanical disturbances. Similarly the cylindrical shape of fibre optics can lead to problems in the production process, particularly in fabricating homogenous metal coatings, or efficiently treating the surface with specific sensor molecules.

Waveguides

Sensitivity

Each of the coupling modes described can be combined with any one of the aforementioned detection modes, with the exception that waveguide methods do not allow for angular detection. Thus there are eight possible combinations, which vary widely in their advantages, disadvantages, and general sensitivity. Currently the combination of a prismatic coupler with angular detection remains the most sensitive approach, with a lower detection limit of approximately 0.1 picograms per mm². For this reason this is by far the most common optical setup in use today.

Sensitivity of different SPR setups (in pg/mm²)
Fig: Sensitivity of different SPR setups (in pg/mm²)

Which system is right for me?

The simple answer here is that for almost all customers an angular detection system with a prism coupler is the best method available today. We offer a range of such systems, all of which have been shown to excel in their field. If you would like to discuss your personal requirements, and take advantage of our expertise in this area, then please contact us.

Literature

Homola, J., Yee, S. and Gauglitz, G., Surface plasmon resonance sensors: review, Sensors and Actuators B 54, (1999) 3 - 15