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Abstract

We summarize some features of the recently, introduced surface- plasmon field-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS): a novel technique offering an increased sensitivity for monitoring interfacial binding reactions in biosensor formats. We briefly discuss the enhancement factors obtainable at resonant excitation of surface-plasmon modes propagating along a (noble) metal/dielectric interface and refer to the (Forster) energy transfer mechanisms operating for chromophores excited near metal surfaces. As a first example, we represent data obtained during the binding of fluorophore-doped latex particles to a functionalized interface. Then, experiments are described with surface-attached oligonucleotide catcher probes and complementary target strands from solution demonstrating the potential of SPES for monitoring hybridization reactions.