Abstract

Since their inception, optical detection and spectroscopy of single molecules have steadily expanded to an amazing variety of disciplines in natural sciences. Domains as varied as optical microscopy, quantum optics, nanophotonics, material science and soft-matter physical chemistry all have benefited from the new, average-free insights provided by the optical isolation of single molecules, quantum dots, metal nanoparticles, and other nanometre-sized objects. The techniques themselves have also made spectacular progress with the developments in super-resolution microscopy, time-resolved measurements, absorption-based detection, combination with mechanical or electrical manipulation and recording, live-cell imaging, and metal nanoparticle-enhanced phenomena.