Single Molecule Spectral Fluctuation Originates from the Variation in Dipole Orientation Connected to Accessible Vibrational Modes

TL;DR

This study reveals that spectral fluctuations in single molecules are caused by changes in dipole orientation linked to vibrational modes, providing new insights into molecular behavior and potential for vibrationally specific imaging.

Contribution

It demonstrates, for the first time, a direct correlation between spectral fluctuations and dipole reorientations driven by vibrational modes at room temperature.

Findings

Spectral fluctuations correlate with dipole reorientations.

Vibrational modes influence radiative relaxation probabilities.

Significant out-of-plane dipole reorientations occur during spectral jumps.

Abstract

Fluctuation in fluorescence emission of immobilized single molecule is typically ascribed to the chromophore's intrinsic structural conformations and the influence of local environmental factors. Despite extensive research over several decades since its initial observation, a direct connection between these spectral fluctuations and the rearrangement of emission dipole orientations has remained elusive. In this study, we elucidate this fundamental molecular behavior and its underlying mechanisms by employing unique single-molecule multi-dimensional tracking to simultaneously monitor both the emission spectrum and the three-dimensional dipole orientation of individual fluorophore. For the first time, we present compelling evidence demonstrating a correlation between spectral fluctuations and dipolar rearrangements at room temperature. Our observations reveal that variations in the radiative relaxation probabilities among different vibronic emission bands, coupled with the interaction of associated vibrational modes, drive these spectral fluctuations. We identify significant out-of-plane dipole reorientations during pronounced spectral fluctuations - commonly known as spectral jumps - which primarily arise from transitions between dominant vibrational modes. Furthermore, we emphasize the potential for con-structing vibrational spectra and optical nanoscopy with vibrational specificity, leveraging the vibronic emissions from single emitters.