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06:48
A Multimodal Wide-Field Fourier-Transform Raman Microscope
Published on: December 30, 2025
Molecular ruler based on concurrent measurements of enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence
M M Dvoynenko1, Z I Kazantseva, V V Strelchuk
1Lashkarov's Institute of Semiconductor Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, pr. Nauki 41, Kyiv, 03028, Ukraine. mmd@isp.kiev.ua
Optics Letters
|November 18, 2010
Summary
We developed a new method to measure molecule-surface distance using Raman scattering and fluorescence. This technique achieves 1 nm resolution without needing exact molecule counts, offering precise nanoscale measurements.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Spectroscopy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Precise measurement of molecule-surface distances is crucial for understanding surface interactions.
- Existing methods often require accurate molecule quantification or lack nanoscale resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, high-resolution method for assessing molecule-metal surface separation.
- To enable distance measurements without precise knowledge of molecule quantity.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous measurement of Raman scattering and fluorescence intensities.
- Utilizing the combined intensity data to infer distance.
- Experimental validation using dye molecules on a gold surface with polymer spacers.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a method with 1 nm resolution for molecule-surface distance assessment.
- Experimental results for dye molecules on gold align with theoretical predictions.
- The approach is independent of the exact number of molecules present.
Conclusions:
- The combined Raman and fluorescence intensity method provides a robust and accurate way to measure nanoscale distances.
- This technique offers a significant advancement for surface science and nanotechnology applications.
- Validated the method's sensitivity and reliability through experimental and theoretical comparisons.
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The underlying principle of Raman spectroscopy is based on the interaction between light and matter, specifically molecules' inelastic scattering of photons. When a monochromatic beam of light, typically from a laser source, interacts with a sample, most scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
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A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
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