Abstract
Single molecules can nowadays be investigated by means of optical, mechanical and electrical methods. Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy yield valuable and quantitative information about the optical properties and the spatial distribution of single molecules. Force spectroscopy by atomic force microscopy (AFM) or optical tweezers allows addressing, manipulation and quantitative probing of the nanomechanical properties of individual macromolecules. We present a combined AFM and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy setup that enables ultrasensitive laser induced fluorescence detection of individual fluorophores, control of the AFM probe position in x, y and z-direction with nanometer precision, and simultaneous investigation of optical and mechanical properties at the single molecule level. Here, we present the distance-controlled quenching of semiconductor quantum dot clusters with an AFM tip. In future applications, fluorescence resonant energy transfer between single donor and acceptor molecules will be investigated.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE |
Volume | 6092 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Ultrasensitive and Single-Molecule Detection Technologies - San Jose, CA, United States Duration: Jan 21 2006 → Jan 24 2006 |
Other
Other | Ultrasensitive and Single-Molecule Detection Technologies |
---|---|
Country/Territory | United States |
City | San Jose, CA |
Period | 1/21/06 → 1/24/06 |
Keywords
- AFM
- Quantum Dots
- Single Molecule Manipulation
- TIRF
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering