Abstract: A system and method of imaging an object uses a plasmonic layer as a sample holder defining a periodic array of sub-micron structures adjacent the object. The sample holder is exposed to a first portion of light that is transmitted through either the plasmonic layer but not the object, or the plasmonic layer and a first section of the object, and a second portion of the light that is transmitted through the plasmonic layer and at least a second section of the object. The light interacts with at least the plasmonic layer and the first portion of the transmitted light characterizes one or more first surface plasmon resonance peaks and the second portion of the transmitted light characterizes one or more second surface plasmon resonance peaks that are wavelength shifted from the first surface plasmon resonance peaks by the object affecting plasmons propagating within the plasmonic layer.

Abstract: A method includes providing a sample holder having a plasmonic layer and applying the sample to the sample holder. The sample is illuminated and an image formed. The method enables identifying a structure in the sample from the image based at least partly on its colour. The colour can encode a structural property of the sample, preferably without staining. The method can be used to differentiate a state of at least one cell in a sample. Application to identification of cancer and non-cancer abnormalities are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated method of identifying a structure in a sample is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one digital image of a sample wherein at least one localised structural property of the sample is visible in the image based on the colour of received light. The method involves processing the at least one image, based on the received colour information to selectively identify said structure. The method can include colour and/or morphology based image analysis.

Abstract: A method of analysis of a sample is described. The method includes providing a sample holder having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface having a plasmonic layer associated therewith, the plasmonic layer including a periodic array of sub-micron structures. A sample is applied to the sample holder and illuminated. At least one localised structural property of the sample is visible in an image formed based on the colour of the received light. The method includes using the image formed to control a subsequent analysis process. The subsequent analysis process can be another microscopy process such as TEM, SEM or the like.

Abstract: A sample holder for use in an optical microscope is disclosed. The sample holder includes a plasmonic layer defining a periodic array of sub-micron structures wherein the periodic array of sub-micron structures comprise an array of separated plasmonic regions. The regions may be a circle, a torus, an ellipse, a cross, rectangle, square, line, strip. Methods of performing reflection and fluorescence microscopy using such a sample holder and other sample holders are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of imaging an object including: supporting the object on a plasmonic layer of a sample holder, wherein the plasmonic layer defines a periodic array of sub-micron structures adjacent the object; exposing the sample holder to light such that: a first portion of the light is transmitted through either: (i) the plasmonic layer but not the object, or (ii) the plasmonic layer and a first section of the object; and a second portion of the light is transmitted through the plasmonic layer and at least a second section of the object; wherein the light interacts with at least the plasmonic layer such that: the first portion of the transmitted light is characterised by one or more first surface plasmon resonance peaks, and the second portion of the transmitted light is characterised by one or more second surface plasmon resonance peaks that are wavelength shifted from the first surface plasmon resonance peaks as a result of the object affecting plasmons propagating within the plasmonic layer; and constructing an