Quantitative Amplitude and Phase Imaging with Interferometric Plasmonic Microscopy

Plasmonic microscopy is a powerful tool for nanoscopic bio- and chemical sample analysis due to its high sensitivity. Phase quantification in plasmonic microscopy would provide inherent information, i.e., refractive index, for identification of nanomaterials. However, it usually relies on complex optics to acquire quantitative phase images. Here, we demonstrated the quantitative amplitude and phase imaging capabilities through holographical reconstructions of the plasmonic patterns recorded in the interferometric plasmonic microscopy. Operating the plasmonic microscopy over the surface plasmon resonance angle separates the twin images and allows for accurate mapping of the amplitude and phase distribution of surface plasmon near fields. Results show that the imaging capabilities enable direct visualization of complex surface plasmon fields arising from interactions with nanoparticles and nanowires, without the need for nanoscopic scanning probes. Theoretical and experimental analysis also suggests future applications in the identification of nanoparticles and super-resolution imaging. The proposed technology is thus promising for nanoplasmonic study and various sensing purposes.