Single molecule detection of nanomechanical motion

TL;DR

This paper explores how single-molecule spectroscopy can enable high-resolution, real-time detection and manipulation of nanomechanical oscillators, revealing potential for strong back-action effects.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework for using molecular luminescence to detect nanomechanical motion with high precision and analyzes the conditions for strong coupling regimes.

Findings

Feasibility of real-time displacement detection via luminescence

Potential to observe displacement fluctuations through second order coherence

Estimates suggest strong back-action regimes are achievable

Abstract

We investigate theoretically how single-molecule spectroscopy techniques can be used to perform fast and high resolution displacement detection and manipulation of nanomechanical oscillators, such as singly clamped carbon nanotubes. We analyze the possibility of real time displacement detection by the luminescence signal and of displacement fluctuations by the degree of second order coherence. Estimates of the electro-mechanical coupling constant indicate that intriguing regimes of strong back-action between the two-level system of a molecule and the oscillator can be realized.