Hi Does anybody have a suggestion for the best imaging methods to be used for Self Assembling Monolayers? I currently have access to light microscope and would like to be able to image a SAM (silane) after attachment to a glass surface. Any suggestions or references?
Daniel
If its only for Silanes and you have access to Bright Field microscope only, your options are limited because Silanes are transparent and that will limit the resolution. However, I can offer you two suggestions and solutions
- only for Silane SAMs, iodine vapor can sometimes be used to stain the SAM, providing contrast for imaging to enhance the visibility of thin films.
- If your microscope is recent, or you have access to Phase Contrast Microscope, Use that instead. If not, you can get Phase ring and install it in your microscope condenser and convert your bright field microscope to a basic Phase contrast.