Abstract
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a versatile method that would greatly benefit to remote optical-fiber fluorescence sensors. However, the current state-of-the-art struggles with high background and low detection sensitivities that prevent the extension of fiber-based FCS down to the single-molecule level. Here we report the use of an optical fiber combined with a latex microsphere to perform FCS analysis. The sensitivity of the technique is demonstrated at the single molecule level thanks to a photonic nanojet effect. This offers new opportunities for reducing the bulky microscope setup and extending FCS to remote or in vivo applications.
Highlights
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful and versatile method for the detection and characterization of fluorescent molecules [1, 2]
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a versatile method that would greatly benefit to remote optical-fiber fluorescence sensors
The current state-of-the-art struggles with high background and low detection sensitivities that prevent the extension of fiber-based FCS down to the single-molecule level
Summary
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful and versatile method for the detection and characterization of fluorescent molecules [1, 2]. FCS is based on computing the temporal correlation of the fluorescence intensity fluctuations. It can in principle provide information about any molecular process that induces a change in the fluorescence intensity. While computing the temporal correlation of the fluorescence intensity, non-zero correlations will occur only if they originate from the same molecule. This highlights the single molecule nature of FCS, and the need to maximize the detected photons from each molecule [3]
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