SMSMS · Building a set-up for single molecule fluorescence detection; application to the study of multichromophoric systems with application in molecular photonics and electronics
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2004-07-01 → 2005-06-30
- EU contribution
- €40,000
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- ERG
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - SMSMS (Building a set-up for single molecule fluorescence detection. Application to the study of multichromophoric systems with application in molecular photonics ...)
This project is devoted to the investigation of multichromophoric systems with application in molecular photonics and electronics by means of single molecule fluorescence microscopy. With this aim, the work plan for the period covered by this report consisted in the construction of a set-up for single molecule fluorescence measurements in the host institution, as well as the realisation of the first experiments on multichromophoric assemblies. To begin with, the different optical, electrical and mechanical components necessary to build a scanning confocal microscope with single molecule fluorescence sensitivity were purchased and assembled together. Furthermore, the software required to control the apparatus was prepared. The resulting custom-made microscope allows the localisation of individual chromophore molecules and the monitoring of its emission intensity in time. Simultaneously, several single molecule experiments on multichromophoric systems were performed in collaboration with the Optical Techniques Group in the University of Twente. In particular, the collective effects in the absorption and emission of long helical polymers decorated with thousands of perylene dyes (perylene polyisocyanides) were investigated. Experiments on individual polymer molecules have shown that although the chromophores absorb the excitation light collectively, the emission arises from multiple individual fluorescent sites. These results unambiguously demonstrate the optical behaviour previously suggested for perylene polyisocyanides: upon collective light absorption in the polymers, the excitation energy is trapped in individual chromophoric sites which eventually emit.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The aim of this project is to build an experimental set-up for single molecule fluorescence detection with the goal of studying multi-chromophoric systems with potential application in nanotechnology. Single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy (SMFS), a powe rful tool to address the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale, has nowadays evolved to a new frontier in science with high impact in a wide range of disciplines. One of the areas where SMFS has found a widespread application is in the investigation of multi-chromophoric assemblies, an issue of current interest due to the unique optical properties displayed by those systems, which are promising components for molecular photonic and electronic devices. Herein two types of artificially synthesised chromophoric assemblies will be studied. First, attention will be focused on model systems where excitation energy transfer takes place between coupled units of donors and acceptors. An enhancement of the energy flow efficiency is expected for those systems.This mechanism will be studied at the single molecule level and, subsequently, applied to build and investigate long dye arrays susceptible to allow for energy flow over large distances. To develop this project, the applicant has already reintegrated to a research institution in his own country with a contract for a period of five years. The experience of the host group with the synthesis of chromophoric systems will complement the applicant and apos;s expertise on the SMS field acquired during the initial Marie Curi e action in the University of Twente, then ensuring the successful development of the project.The applicant will acquire a fruitful training in nanoscience and nanotechnology during the reintegration period, two thematic priorities of the 6th Framework Programme of the EU. This will benefit the applicant and apos;s long-term job stability in the framework of several research centres in nanotechnology recently launched in his region of origin.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA · BELLATERRA (CERDANYOLA DEL VALLES)CoordinatorSpain
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union