We apply a previously developed 3D Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulation method to model the optical phase contrast microscopic (OPCM) visualization of Gold nanoparticles (NPs) attached to the nucleus of a singe biological cell. We consider a realistic size 3D cell model at optical immersion conditions, i.e. when the refractive index values of the cytoplasm and of the extra-cellular medium are equal. The visual effect of the Gold NPs is studied at both resonant and non-resonant conditions. The results show that, at resonance, there are specific visual patterns that could be used for the identification of the presence of NPs at the nucleus' surface. The model demonstrates the capability to model the specific conditions of OPCM image enhancement by optically controlling the resonant properties of the NPs.

Date Published: 19 December 2008
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 7027, 15th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications, 702716 (19 December 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.822518

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7027:
15th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications