CHIMIA (Jan 1994)
Single Molecule Spectroscopy in Shpol'skii Matrices
Abstract
Optical detection and spectroscopy of single molecules has recently been achieved in solids at very low temperature. Until now only three host-guest combinations have fulfilled the stringent requirements for high-resolution single-molecule spectra. A large absorption cross section has to be paired with high fluorescence quantum yield, high photochemical stability, as well as the absence of any significant shelving in a bottleneck state. The photophysical properties of the single fluorescent molecule are strongly influenced by its 'nano-environment'. Here we report the properties of a new system: terrylene in the Shpol'skii matrix hexadecane. In this system a peak emission rate more than 107 photons/s is achieved. It is expected that such a Shpol'skii system is a prototype of a new class of materials which allow single-molecule spectra to be easily recorded.