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.jpg): Failed to open stream: No such file or directory in C:\Inetpub\vhosts\kidney.de\httpdocs\pget.php on line 117 Nat+Commun
2016 ; 7
(ä): 10411
Nephropedia Template TP
Nat Commun
2016[Jan]; 7
(ä): 10411
PMID26794035
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Over the past 25 years, single-molecule spectroscopy has developed into a widely
used tool in multiple disciplines of science. The diversity of routinely recorded
emission spectra does underpin the strength of the single-molecule approach in
resolving the heterogeneity and dynamics, otherwise hidden in the ensemble. In
early cryogenic studies single molecules were identified by their distinct
excitation spectra, yet measuring excitation spectra at room temperature remains
challenging. Here we present a broadband Fourier approach that allows rapid
recording of excitation spectra of individual molecules under ambient conditions
and that is robust against blinking and bleaching. Applying the method we show
that the excitation spectra of individual molecules exhibit an extreme
distribution of solvatochromic shifts and distinct spectral shapes. Importantly,
we demonstrate that the sensitivity and speed of the broadband technique is
comparable to that of emission spectroscopy putting both techniques side-by-side
in single-molecule spectroscopy.