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Updated: Oct 30, 2025

Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Nanoparticle's Mapping and Quantification in Organ Tissue
Published on: June 18, 2014
Single-molecule laser nanospectroscopy with micro-electron volt energy resolution.
Hiroshi Imada1,2, Miyabi Imai-Imada3, Kuniyuki Miwa3,4
1Surface and Interface Science Laboratory, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan. himada@riken.jp ykim@riken.jp.
Researchers developed a single-molecule spectroscopy technique to precisely control and characterize molecular quantum states. This method enables the design of novel energy-converting molecular systems by tuning energy levels with high precision.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Precise characterization of excited states is crucial for energy conversion.
- Current methods lack the required resolution at the single-molecule level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a single-molecule spectroscopic method with high energy and spatial resolution.
- To enable state-selective characterization and tuning of molecular quantum states.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing laser-driven nanocavity plasmons to induce molecular luminescence.
- Employing scanning tunneling microscopy for submolecular-spatial resolution.
- Leveraging the Stark effect and plasmon-exciton coupling for energy level tuning.
Main Results:
- Achieved micro-electron volt energy resolution and submolecular-spatial resolution.
- Demonstrated state-selective characterization of individual electronic and vibrational quantum states.
- Successfully tuned molecular energy levels within the tunneling junction.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanoprobe offers unprecedented control over single-molecule quantum states.
- This technique paves the way for designing molecular systems with tailored energy-conversion functions.
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