The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for analysis of
an analyte. The method involves providing a zero-mode waveguide which includes
a cladding surrounding a core where the cladding is configured to preclude propagation
of electromagnetic energy of a frequency less than a cutoff frequency longitudinally
through the core of the zero-mode waveguide. The analyte is positioned in the core
of the zero-mode waveguide and is then subjected, in the core of the zero-mode
waveguide, to activating electromagnetic radiation of a frequency less than the
cut-off frequency under conditions effective to permit analysis of the analyte
in an effective observation volume which is more compact than if the analysis were
carried out in the absence of the zero-mode waveguide.
