Interference Reflection Microscopy

Interference reflection microscopy (IRM) utilises interference of light reflected from closely apposed surfaces to provide an image containing information about the separation of those surfaces. In cell biology, IRM is used to image structures at the base of adherent cells and to measure cell–substratum distances, as well as to investigate mechanisms of cell–substratum adhesion. IRM is also used to study topology and dynamics of biomimetic systems such as vesicles, supported membranes and other multilayered structures. Basic IRM optical configuration is relatively easy to set up, and image analysis can provide information about interfacial distances with nanometer precision and millisecond time resolution. IRM can be readily combined with other microscopic techniques, and with force transducing devices such as optical tweezers, micropipettes and microcantilevers. New advancements in the field include dual-wavelength IRM and fluctuation contrast IRM.