Ultrafast Nonradiative Decay Rates on Metallic Surfaces by Comparing Surface-Enhanced Raman and Fluorescence Signals of Single Molecules

C. M. Galloway, P. G. Etchegoin, and E. C. Le Ru
Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 063003 – Published 5 August 2009

Abstract

By the simultaneous observation of surface-enhanced Raman scattering and surface-enhanced fluorescence signals from a single molecule, we can measure and quantify the modification of the total decay rate of emitters in very close proximity to metals, even down to adsorbed molecules. This modified decay rate is shown to be largely dominated by its nonradiative component, which would be extremely difficult to estimate with conventional approaches. The method provides an indirect measurement of ultrafast (25fs) mechanisms, which would be impossible to gain with time-resolved spectroscopy of a single molecule.

  • Figure
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  • Received 30 June 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.063003

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

C. M. Galloway, P. G. Etchegoin*, and E. C. Le Ru

  • The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand

  • *Pablo.Etchegoin@vuw.ac.nz
  • Eric.LeRu@vuw.ac.nz

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Vol. 103, Iss. 6 — 7 August 2009

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