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Single-particle spectroscopy for functional nanomaterials

Abstract

Tremendous progress in nanotechnology has enabled advances in the use of luminescent nanomaterials in imaging, sensing and photonic devices. This translational process relies on controlling the photophysical properties of the building block, that is, single luminescent nanoparticles. In this Review, we highlight the importance of single-particle spectroscopy in revealing the diverse optical properties and functionalities of nanomaterials, and compare it with ensemble fluorescence spectroscopy. The information provided by this technique has guided materials science in tailoring the synthesis of nanomaterials to achieve optical uniformity and to develop novel applications. We discuss the opportunities and challenges that arise from pushing the resolution limit, integrating measurement and manipulation modalities, and establishing the relationship between the structure and functionality of single nanoparticles.

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Fig. 1: Correlative methods providing deterministic information about a single nanoparticle.
Fig. 2: Optical uniformity of nanoparticles advances biological and nanophotonics applications.
Fig. 3: Application of external fields to stimulate the response of single nanoparticles dynamically.
Fig. 4: Perspective for advanced SPS.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge support from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Scheme (DE180100669), Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (KQTD20170810110913065) and Australia China Science and Research Fund Joint Research Centre for POCT (ACSRF65827).

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Correspondence to Jiajia Zhou, Alexey I. Chizhik, Steven Chu or Dayong Jin.

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Zhou, J., Chizhik, A.I., Chu, S. et al. Single-particle spectroscopy for functional nanomaterials. Nature 579, 41–50 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2048-8

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