What is Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM)?
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) is an advanced imaging technique that enables the observation of molecular interactions and dynamics at or near the interface between a solid and a liquid. This method employs the principle of total internal reflection to generate an evanescent wave that excites fluorophores within a thin region (typically Why is TIRFM Important in the Study of Catalysis? Catalysis often involves complex surface interactions and dynamics that are challenging to observe with conventional microscopy techniques. TIRFM allows researchers to directly visualize and analyze these interactions at the molecular level. By focusing on the area near the catalyst surface, TIRFM can provide detailed insights into catalytic mechanisms, intermediate species, and reaction kinetics, thereby improving our understanding of how catalysts function and how their efficiency can be enhanced.
