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Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging
Published on: October 9, 2012
Purcell effect of nanoshell dimer on single molecule's fluorescence
Jiunn-Woei Liaw1, Jeng-Hong Chen, Chi-San Chen
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Optics Express
|August 6, 2009
Summary
Nanoshell dimers enhance single-molecule fluorescence by acting as antennas for efficient energy transfer and lowpass filters for radiation. This effect is stronger than with solid gold dimers at longer wavelengths.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Nanophotonics
- Single-molecule spectroscopy
Background:
- The Purcell effect describes how the local density of optical states influences the spontaneous emission rate of a quantum emitter.
- Nanoshells and dimers are known to exhibit strong plasmonic resonances, potentially enhancing light-matter interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Purcell effect on single-molecule fluorescence enhancement using a nanoshell dimer.
- To compare the performance of nanoshell dimers with solid gold dimers.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations were employed to model the interaction between a single molecule and a nanoshell dimer.
- The study focused on analyzing energy transfer efficiency and fluorescence radiation patterns.
Main Results:
- The nanoshell dimer efficiently transfers energy from the excited molecule, acting as a plasmonic antenna.
- The dimer functions as a lowpass filter, controlling fluorescence emission to the far field.
- Significantly higher fluorescence enhancement factors were observed for nanoshell dimers compared to solid gold dimers, particularly at longer wavelengths.
Conclusions:
- Nanoshell dimers offer superior control over single-molecule fluorescence through enhanced energy transfer and tailored emission.
- These findings highlight the potential of nanoshell dimers for advanced nanoscale optical applications and sensing.
