SINGLE-MOLECULE SPECTROSCOPY IN SHPOLSKII MATRICES

Optical detection and spectroscopy of single molecules has recently be en achieved in solids at very low temperature. Until now only three ho st-guest combinations have fulfilled the stringent requirements for hi gh-resolution single-molecule spectra. A large absorption cross sectio n has to be paired with high fluorescence quantum yield, high photoche mical stability, as well as the absence of any significant shelving in a bottleneck state. The photophysical properties of the single fluore scent 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 s pectra to be easily recorded.