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Coupling Single Molecules to DNA-Based Optical Antennas with Position and Orientation Control.
Aleksandra K Adamczyk1, Fangjia Zhu1, Daniel Schäfer2
1Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland.
ACS Photonics
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers used DNA origami to precisely control single-molecule orientation and position relative to optical antennas. This achieved a 5-fold increase in fluorescence intensity, paving the way for advanced nanophotonic devices.
Area of Science:
- Nanophotonics
- Molecular Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical antennas are crucial for controlling light-matter interactions with single-photon emitters.
- Emitter-antenna coupling depends on spectral overlap, distance, and orientation, with orientation control being a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate precise control over the orientation and position of single emitters within DNA origami-assembled optical antennas.
- To investigate the impact of emitter orientation on fluorescence enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DNA origami for precise assembly of dimer optical antennas.
- Positioned single fluorescent molecules at the antenna gap with controlled orientations (parallel/perpendicular).
- Correlated fluorescence measurements with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and numerical simulations.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 5-fold higher average fluorescence intensity for emitters aligned parallel to the antenna axis.
- Observed a maximum fluorescence enhancement of approximately 1400-fold.
- Variations in fluorescence enhancement were attributed to minor changes in emitter orientation and gap size.
Conclusions:
- DNA origami provides a versatile platform for full control of emitter-antenna coupling.
- This technique enables the development of self-assembled nanophotonic devices with enhanced and uniform performance.
- Establishes a pathway for designing optimized nanophotonic devices through precise molecular control.
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