Modelling of different TIRM setups by the Discrete Sources Method

Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRM) is an effective technique to measure weak interaction forces between colloidal particles in solution and a flat surface. In this paper the Discrete Sources Method has been applied to model different measuring schemes for TIRM to find the most appropriate one for the determination of the distance between a particle and the filmed surface. It has been found that the placing of a light collector beneath the prism gives a considerable advantage compared with a conventional TIRM design, where the collector is situated above the surface.

Research highlights► Discrete Sources Method was extended to light scattering by particle on filmed prism. ► Two different TIRM schemes have been treated by computer simulation analysis. ► It was found placing light collector beneath prism provides considerable advantage.