Single-molecule study for a graphene-based nano-position sensor

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a graphene-based nanoscale ruler using single quantum emitters, achieving high-precision position measurements through energy transfer mechanisms and fluorescence decay analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for nanoscale positioning using single-molecule fluorescence near graphene, with quantitative analysis confirming the $d^{-4}$ decay dependence.

Findings

Achieved position uncertainty as low as 5nm below 30nm distance

Confirmed the $d^{-4}$ decay dependence of fluorescence decay rate

Demonstrated the feasibility of a graphene-based nano-position sensor

Abstract

In this study we lay the groundwork for a graphene-based fundamental ruler at the nanoscale. It relies on the efficient energy-transfer mechanism between single quantum emitters and low-doped graphene monolayers. Our experiments, conducted with dibenzoterrylene (DBT) molecules, allow going beyond ensemble analysis due to the emitter photo-stability and brightness. A quantitative characterization of the fluorescence decay-rate modification is presented and compared to a simple model, showing agreement with the $d^{-4}$ dependence, a genuine manifestation of a dipole interacting with a 2D material. With DBT molecules, we can estimate a potential uncertainty in position measurements as low as 5nm in the range below 30nm.