Single molecule detection and photochemistry on a surface using near-field optical excitation

Abstract

We report the first photobleaching experiments of single molecules on a surface. Single molecules of rhodamine 6G are detected on a silica surface under ambient conditions using near-field scanning optical microscopy. Photobleaching of an individual molecule appears as an abrupt disappearance of fluorescence after seconds of constant excitation. Other reversible, upward and downward changes in fluorescence are observed, possibly due to reorientation of molecules on the surface.

Keywords

PhotobleachingRhodamine 6GExcitationMoleculeMaterials scienceFluorescenceFluorescence recovery after photobleachingPhotochemistryRhodamineMicroscopyMolecular physicsField (mathematics)OpticsAnalytical Chemistry (journal)ChemistryPhysics

Affiliated Institutions

Los Alamos National Laboratory US

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Publication Info

Year: 1994
Type: article
Volume: 72
Issue: 1
Pages: 160-163
Citations: 240
Access: Closed

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APA Style

                            
                                
                                    W. Patrick Ambrose, 
                                
                                    Peter M. Goodwin, 
                                
                                    John C. Martin
                                
                                et al.
                            
                            (1994). 
                            Single molecule detection and photochemistry on a surface using near-field optical excitation. 
                            Physical Review Letters
                            , 72
                            (1)
                            , 160-163.
                            https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.72.160
                        

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.72.160