Illuminating Single Molecules in Condensed Matter

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 283; no. 5408; pp. 1670 - 1676
• Main Authors: Moerner, W. E., Orrit, Michel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society for the Advancement of Science 12-03-1999; American Association for the Advancement of Science; The American Association for the Advancement of Science; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Subjects: Chemistry, Physical - methods; Crystals; DNA - chemistry; Dyes; Energy; Fluorescence; Heterocyclic Compounds - chemistry; Ions; Lasers; Light; Microscopy - methods; Molecular spectra; Molecules; Observation; Organic Chemicals - chemistry; Photons; Physics; Pollutant emissions; Proteins - chemistry; Reviews; Room temperature; Scientific imaging; Scientific Research; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Spectroscopy; Temperature
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.283.5408.1670

Efficient collection and detection of fluorescence coupled with careful minimization of background from impurities and Raman scattering now enable routine optical microscopy and study of single molecules in complex condensed matter environments. This ultimate method for unraveling ensemble averages leads to the observation of new effects and to direct measurements of stochastic fluctuations. Experiments at cryogenic temperatures open new directions in molecular spectroscopy, quantum optics, and solid-state dynamics. Room-temperature investigations apply several techniques (polarization microscopy, single-molecule imaging, emission time dependence, energy transfer, lifetime studies, and the like) to a growing array of biophysical problems where new insight may be gained from direct observations of hidden static and dynamic inhomogeneity.