Analysis of Molecular Orientations Return to Research Interests Home
Conclusive and nondestructive proof of single molecule observation and behavior, our unique ability to observe and
analyze single molecule emission patterns enables unprecedented single molecule information that directly probes a wide
array of chemical systems. We have written software that simulates observed dipole emission patterns as viewed through
an optical microscope. Fits of data to such images, adjusting dipole orientation and molecular position produce highly
accurate fits. Through this type of analysis, we are able to track both orientational and translational motion of dyes in
polymer hosts, even at more than 80 degrees C below the glass transition temperature!
Choose parameters to be fit...
Fit the data file...
Orientation changes in time (Frame 18 above, frame 15 below), as evidenced by different emission patterns
While this image simulation and fitting is computationally intensive, it is readily possible to fit several hundred frames/day.
In order to fit more molecules we have developed library-based techniques that improve speed by many orders of
magnitude. Soon data collection will be the limitation! We are currently pushing our orientational methods to faster and
faster time resolutions in order to probe more dynamical systems (e.g. biology).