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Influencing the angular emission of a single molecule.
H Gersen1, M F García-Parajó, L Novotny
1Applied Optics Group, Department of Applied Physics & MESA Research Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. h.gersen@tn.utwente.nl
Physical Review Letters
|January 3, 2001
Summary
Researchers experimentally proved how nearby metal nanoparticles alter single-molecule light emission angles. This study quantifies emission redirection using a novel detection scheme, revealing discrepancies for parallel molecular orientations compared to simulations.
Area of Science:
- Nanoscience and Molecular Physics
- Optical Spectroscopy
Background:
- Single-molecule spectroscopy probes fundamental light-matter interactions.
- Plasmonic effects of nanoparticles can modify molecular optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate and quantify the influence of a proximal nanosized metal object on a single molecule's angular photon emission.
- To investigate the effect of molecular dipole orientation on this plasmon-enhanced phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a novel angular-sensitive detection scheme.
- Precise lateral scanning and height control of a nanosized metal object relative to a single molecule.
- Comparison of experimental results with 2D numerical simulations.
Main Results:
- Direct quantification of angular emission redirection caused by the nearby metal nanoparticle.
- Excellent agreement between experimental data and simulations for molecules oriented perpendicular to the sample surface.
- Discrepancy observed between experimental results and simulations for molecules oriented parallel to the sample surface.
Conclusions:
- The proximity of a metal nanoparticle significantly influences single-molecule angular photon emission.
- The orientation of the molecule relative to the nanoparticle and sample surface is critical.
- Current simulation models may require refinement to accurately predict behavior for all molecular orientations.