Rotational Correlation Functions of Single Molecules

TL;DR

This paper analyzes single molecule rotational correlation functions across various geometries, revealing non-exponential behaviors even in simple models, which impacts the interpretation of fluorescence microscopy data in complex environments.

Contribution

It demonstrates that non-exponential correlation functions are inherent even in isotropic diffusion models, influencing how molecular reorientation data is understood.

Findings

Non-exponential correlation functions observed in simple models

Implications for interpreting fluorescence microscopy data

Impact on understanding molecular reorientation in heterogeneous environments

Abstract

Single molecule rotational correlation functions are analyzed for several reorientation geometries. Even for the simplest model of isotropic rotational diffusion our findings predict non-exponential correlation functions to be observed by polarization sensitive single molecule fluorescence microscopy. This may have a deep impact on interpreting the results of molecular reorientation measurements in heterogeneous environments.