Linear dipole behavior in single CdSe-oligo(phenylene vinylene) nanostructures

Measuring 3D orientation of nanocrystals via polarized luminescence of rare-earth dopants

Orientation of nanoscale objects can be measured by examining the polarized emission of optical probes. To retrieve a three-dimensional (3D) orientation, it has been essential to observe the probe (a dipole) along multiple viewing angles and scan with a rotating analyzer. However, this method requires a sophisticated optical setup and is subject to various external sources of error. Here, we present a fundamentally different approach employing coupled multiple emission dipoles that are inherent in lanthanide-doped phosphors. Simultaneous observation of different dipoles and comparison of their relative intensities allow to determine the 3D orientation from a single viewing angle. Moreover, the distinct natures of electric and magnetic dipoles originating in lanthanide luminescence enable an instant orientation analysis with a single-shot emission spectrum. We demonstrate a straightforward orientation analysis of Eu³⁺-doped NaYF₄ nanocrystals using a conventional fluorescence microscope. Direct imaging of the rod-shaped nanocrystals proved the high accuracy of the measurement. This methodology would provide insights into the mechanical behaviors of various nano- and biomolecular systems.

Determining the orientation of nanoscale objects in three-dimensional space has typically required complicated optical setups. Here, the authors develop a simple method to retrieve the 3D orientation of luminescent, lanthanide-doped nanorods from a single-shot emission spectrum.

Simultaneous Measurement of the Three-Dimensional Orientation of Excitation and Emission Dipoles

The emission properties of most fluorescent emitters, such as dye molecules or solid-state color centers, can be well described by the model of an oscillating electric dipole. However, the orientations of their excitation and emission dipoles are, in most cases, not parallel. Although single molecule excitation and emission dipole orientation measurements have been performed in the past, no experimental method has so far looked at the three-dimensional excitation and emission dipole geometry of individual emitters simultaneously. We present the first experimental study, using defocused imaging in conjunction with radially polarized excitation scanning, to measure both the excitation as well as emission dipole orientations of single molecules, which allows us to sample the distribution of their mutual orientation. We find an unexpectedly broad distribution of the angle between both dipoles which we attribute to the interaction between the observed molecules and the substrate they are immobilized on.

Polarization-driven stark shifts in quantum dot luminescence from single CdSe/oligo-PPV nanoparticles

We demonstrate polarization-induced spectral shifts and associated linearly polarized absorption and emission in single CdSe/oligo-(phenylene vinylene) (CdSe/OPV) nanoparticles. A mechanism for these observations is presented in which charge separation from photoexcited ligands results in a significant Stark distortion of the quantum dot electron/hole wavefunctions. This distortion results in an induced linear polarization and an associated red shift in band-edge photoluminescence. These studies suggest the use of single quantum dots as local charge mobility probes.