Far-field single-molecule vibrational spectroscopy and imaging

Chemical Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: Philip A. Kocheril, Haomin Wang, Ryan Eric Leighton, Dongkwan Lee, Noor Naji, Wei Min, Wei Lu
DOI: 10.1039/d5sc07076g
Cited by: 2
References: 160

Abstract

Single-molecule (SM) optical spectroscopy and imaging approaches have proven transformative, allowing for deep insights into molecular dynamics and behaviour. Despite their intrinsically weaker signals, vibrational spectro-microscopies have advanced significantly within the past decade, allowing for far-field vibrational spectroscopy and imaging at the SM level under ambient conditions. In this Perspective, we first discuss the critical insights and advancements that allowed for SM vibrational spectroscopy and imaging to be realized, highlighting the technical developments that have allowed vibrational spectro-microscopies to break the SM barrier with far-field optics. We then discuss the unique and exciting opportunities of these SM vibrational methods.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques Near-Field Optical Microscopy Quantum optics and atomic interactions

Publication details

Journal / source
Chemical Science
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Volume
17
Issue
11
Pages
5297–5316
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN