Single-molecule spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the investigation of chemical dynamics because unsynchronized processes can be directly observed, and heterogeneity in chemical ensembles can be directly revealed. However, experimental constraints limit the applicability of single-molecule techniques in complex chemical media. Micro and nanophotonic tools can mitigate these constraints.<br/><br/>In the first section of this talk, I will discuss how use of nanophotonic Zero-Mode Waveguides in conjunction with Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) enables access to single-molecule fluorescence microscopy measurements at millimolar concentrations, over 100X times the state-of-the-art. With this approach, single-molecule microscopy need no longer be limited to ultralow concentration ranges.<br/><br/>In the second section of this talk, I will discuss how use of ultrahigh-Q optical microresonators enables spectroscopy on individual particles without the need for fluorescence. A recent application of our technique to perform spectroscopy on individual non-emissive conductive polymers will be discussed, as well as prospects during monitoring chemical reaction dynamics.

Nanophotonic technologies for single-molecule microscopy and spectroscopy

256th National Meeting (2018)

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