Semiconductors & Integrated Circuits
Microcavity Method for Single Molecule Spectroscopy
WARF: P140153US03
Inventors: Randall Goldsmith, Kevin Heylman
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in using an optical microcavity to analyze single molecules and particles.
Overview
Single molecule spectroscopy and microscopy – a popular tool for biological, biophysical and chemical characterization – generally requires the use of fluorescent molecules. Researchers at UW–Madison are developing a means of performing spectroscopy and microscopy on non-fluorescent single molecules, allowing a much broader range of molecules to be studied.
Their method relies on whispering gallery mode microresonators. A whispering gallery mode (WGM) is a type of electromagnetic wave that travels around a concave surface. WGM waves can propagate at the edge of a very small structure called an optical microcavity.
Their method relies on whispering gallery mode microresonators. A whispering gallery mode (WGM) is a type of electromagnetic wave that travels around a concave surface. WGM waves can propagate at the edge of a very small structure called an optical microcavity.
The Invention
Specifically, the researchers have developed a new microcavity-based method for single molecule/particle spectroscopy. In essence, when an individual molecule or particle lands on the microcavity surface, it absorbs energy from a free space pump laser beam and generates heat. The heat is transferred to the microcavity, causing a shift in resonance frequency and therefore detectable changes in the light (e.g., power or intensity).
The superb sensitivity of the method enables detection, identification and real-time analysis of single molecules and particles. This is exciting because current spectroscopy techniques are limited to matter in the 10 to 100 nanometer size range, such as nanoparticles and viruses.
The superb sensitivity of the method enables detection, identification and real-time analysis of single molecules and particles. This is exciting because current spectroscopy techniques are limited to matter in the 10 to 100 nanometer size range, such as nanoparticles and viruses.
Applications
- Single molecule/particle spectroscopy
- Biological and chemical sensing
- Investigating real-time reaction kinetics
Key Benefits
- Extremely sensitive
- Enables real-time analysis
- Cost-effective design
Stage of Development
The researchers have used their new method to image single nanofibers and analyze single molecules of cobalt phthalocyanine.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Related Technologies
Publications
- Heylman K.D, Knapper K.A. and Goldsmith R.H. 2014. Photothermal Microscopy of Nonluminescent Single Particles Enabled by Optical Microresonators. Journal of Phys. Chem. Lett. 5, 1917-1923.
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Justin Anderson at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9853