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.