Light-molecule interactions are at the core of optical operations and analyses of molecular and supramolecular devices. We use molecular design, tailored syntheses, intermolecular interactions, and selective chemistry to direct molecules into desired positions to create nanostructures and to serve as test structures for measuring single or bundled molecules. Optical interactions within and between molecules can be designed, directed, measured, understood, and exploited at unprecedented scales. Such interactions can be used to switch reversibly isolated single molecules and assemblies on surfaces and can be probed by scanning tunneling microscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. We quantitatively compare experimental measurements to theoretical calculations. Lastly, we discuss our initial efforts in learning to assemble and to operate molecules together, both cooperatively and hierarchically, in analogy to biological muscles, in which we find and control vibrational interference.

Measuring and controlling optical interactions at the molecular scale: Photoswitching and interference

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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