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Looking back on 28 years of cryogenic single-molecule experiments

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2018-01-01
JournalEPJ Web of Conferences
AuthorsMichel Orrit
InstitutionsLeiden University, Huygens Institute for History and Culture of the Netherlands

Starting with the first single-molecule fluorescence experiments in 1990, the field of cryogenic single-molecule spectroscopy exploits the narrow zero-phonon lines of single molecules, usually in molecular crystals and glasses. Occasionally, similar experiments can also be done at room temperature, as illustrated by the case of the NV - center in diamond. In this review contribution, I shall illustrate the variety and scope of the experiments performed in the past 28 years, highlighting some important points and outlooks.