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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Combining Single-molecule Manipulation and Imaging for the Study of Protein-DNA Interactions
Published on: August 27, 2014
Coherent control of single molecules at room temperature
Daan Brinks1, Richard Hildner, Fernando D Stefani
1ICFO--lnstitut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Mediterranean Technology Park, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain.
Faraday Discussions
|March 29, 2012
Summary
Researchers achieved precise control over individual molecules using tailored light pulses. This breakthrough enables detailed study of molecular dynamics and quantum coherence, overcoming limitations of traditional ensemble methods.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
- Ultrafast Dynamics
Background:
- Single-molecule detection reveals spatial and temporal dynamics, offering insights into biomolecular interactions and polymer dynamics.
- Fluorescence-based detection limits time resolution, hindering the study of ultrafast coherent processes.
- Ensemble coherent control is restricted by sample inhomogeneity, limiting precise manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate and manipulate vibrational wave-packet interference in individual molecules at ambient conditions.
- To overcome spatio-temporal disorder and achieve key control by addressing individual molecular units.
- To explore the role of coherence in energy transfer within single antenna complexes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing tailored optical excitation fields with specific time and phase distributions.
- Observing and manipulating vibrational wave-packet interference in single molecules.
- Analyzing molecular responses to phase-reversed excitation pulses.
Main Results:
- Achieved superior control over individual molecules compared to ensemble methods by adapting excitation fields.
- Confirmed control of quantum coherence through phase reversal, which inverted the molecular response.
- Revealed diverse excited-state dynamics among chemically identical single molecules via time-phase mapping.
Conclusions:
- Single-molecule coherent control offers a powerful approach to overcome spatio-temporal disorder.
- This method provides enhanced control over molecular dynamics and quantum coherence.
- The approach is promising for studying complex systems like multichromophoric systems and antenna complexes under physiological conditions.
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