Single-molecule nanophotonics in solids

Single-molecule nanophotonics refers to optical studies of the statics and dynamics of single, individual molecules in condensed matter. Optical spectroscopy of single guest impurity molecules in solids provides an exquisitely sensitive probe of the structure and dynamics of the specific local environment around the single molecule (the condensed matter ‘nanoenvironment’). Measurement of the second-order correlation function of the emitted light g(2) shows strong photon antibunching, proving that exactly one molecule is in resonance. Other interesting effects such as two-level-system-induced spectral shifting and AC Stark effects can also be observed at the single molecule level.