Single molecules cooling off
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering has been used to probe single molecular behaviour by scientists in China and Sweden
Yao conducted SM-SERS measurements for a non-bonding molecule, perylene, which was physically adsorbed on (uniformly assembled) colloidal silver nanoparticles. As expected, at room temperature, the SM-SERS spectra of a perylene molecule displayed strong spectral-fluctuation, however, this was effectively eliminated by lowering the temperature of the substrate.
'It sounds straightforward’ explains Yao, ‘but this needs special consideration of the experimental set up and a good understanding of SM-SERS mechanism. With this improvement, we can get a stable spectrum and in combination with first principle calculations we can find out where the single molecule prefers to stay after cooling and under Plasmon excitation.’
Original publication: Zhixun Luo et. al., Chem. Commun., 2009.
Most read news
Other news from the department science
Get the analytics and lab tech industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for analytics and lab technology brings you up to date every Tuesday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.