Objective
Our project is to combine single-molecule spectroscopy with plasmonic nanomaterials. We will use the fluorescence excitation lines of single molecules in a cryogenic experiment to probe the local field enhancement of single plasmonic antennas, as well as of periodic array of antennas. At low tem-peratures, spectral selection will enable us to address a large number of molecules (typically 100,000) independently in each focal spot, by tuning the excitation laser. Thereby, we will determine the position of the excited molecule by superresolution techniques and correlate it with its emission properties. The linewidth and saturation fluorescence intensity of each molecule will be used to determine the local field enhancement. By selecting many individual molecules, we will map the local field and the associated enhancement of the molecular emission. Compared to previous experiments, this method is non-invasive, non-destructive, and still provides high spatial resolution. The local-field map will be used for further optimization of the nanoantennas in collaboration with a group in charge of the nanofabrication. The optimized antennas will allow us to enhance light-matter interaction and eventually, to manipulate single photons with single molecules.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopysuper resolution microscopy
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)Coordinator
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands