Abstract
Single-molecule techniques have attracted much attention over the past decade as they represent the ultimate limit of detection and sensitivity for the molecular sciences. Moreover, these studies benefit from the fact that averaging over a huge number of species inherent in every ensemble study is overcome by single-molecule methods. A single emitter in its individual nano-environment can be observed and its specific response can be studied, for example, by fluorescence spectroscopy. The temporal evolution and spectral distribution of the fluorescence reveals molecular emission dynamics. Fluctuations of extrinsic and intrinsic nature can be discriminated and, for example, conformational changes of the molecular structure or the spectral influence of the flexibility of the molecular environment can be studied. In addition to fluorescence-based methods, surface-enhanced Raman scattering has developed into a powerful tool with single-molecule sensitivity, providing direct insight into the molecular structure of the target system. The careful analysis of the observed spectral fluctuations can provide information on the Raman enhancement process experienced by a molecule adjacent to a noble metal particle.
Published Version
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