Observation of Spectral Diffusion in Solids Using a Single Molecule,
Abstract
Recent advances in high-efficiency fluorescence excitation spectroscopy Of pentacene in p-terphenyl crystals have improved the signal to noise ratio for the detection of single pentacene defects, thus confirming single pentacene detection using absorption techniques. Using 1-10 micrometer thick crystals, tightly focused laser beams, and high collection efficiency, background emission noise is significantly reduced below the fluorescence emission rate of single pentacene defects. To observe single molecules, the laser is tuned out into the wings of the pentacene O1 site inhomogeneous line until the number of defects per homogeneous linewidth is less than 1. With the improved detection sensitivity, we have observed two classes of pentacene defects present in both the red and blue wings of the inhomogeneous line: lass l consist of stable, time-independent defects with lifetime limited homogeneous linewidths below 4 K, and class 11 have time varying resonance frequencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP008305
Entities
People
- T. Basche
- W. E. Moerner
- W. P. Ambrose
Organizations
- International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)