Modification of single molecule fluorescence near metallic nanostructures

Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the interactions of fluorophores with metallic nanostructures or nanoparticles. The spectra properties of fluorophores can be dramatically modified by near-field interactions with the electron clouds present in metals. Near-field interactions are those occurring within a wavelength distance of an excited fluorophore. These interactions modify the emission in ways not seen in ensemble fluorescence experiments. In this review we provide an insightful description of the photophysics of metal plasmons and near-field interactions. Additionally, we summarize recent works on single-molecule studies on metal-fluorophore interactions and suggest how these effects will result in new classes of experimental procedures, novel probes, bioassays and devices.The spectral properties of single fluorophores can be dramatically altered by near-field interactions with the electron clouds presented in metals.

How nonlocal damping reduces plasmon-enhanced fluorescence in ultranarrow gaps

“…Plasmonic nanostructures are widely explored for improving fluorescence of organic molecules or quantum dots [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8], owing their popularity mainly to their unique ability to focus and enhance electromagnetic fields at the nanoscale [9][10][11][12][13]. Several geometries have been explored over the years for studying and optimizing emission properties of two-level systems, including flat metal surfaces [14][15][16], single metallic nanoparticles [17][18][19][20], and aggregates thereof [21][22][23].…”

Editorial: Laser & Photonics Review 1–2/2009

“…The final article of this part of the issue [8] looks a bit deeper into the subject of fluorescence imaging microscopy and reviews the single molecule fluorescence near metallic nanostructures. Key issue are the alterations of the spectral properties of fluorophores due to near field interactions with electron clouds.…”

Insight into the eigenmodes of plasmonic nanoclusters based on the Green’s tensor method

“…Metallic nanostructures supporting plasmon resonances have been used in various applications such as SERS [1][2][3][4][5], biosensing [6][7][8][9], plasmonic trapping [10][11][12], and fluorescence enhancement [13][14][15][16][17][18]. Optimization of a plasmonic structure for a particular application is made easier via the use of various computational tools.…”