Using Single-Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Study Electron Transfer

Techniques in single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy now allow sophisticated studies of photophysical processes in single molecules. As interest grows in the possibilities of molecular electronics, researchers have begun to turn these techniques to the study of electron transfer. Electron‐transfer reactions have now been detected and measured at the single‐molecule level in a variety of systems and on a variety of timescales by adapting techniques from previous single‐molecule fluorescence studies. Singling out electronics: Intramolecular and interfacial single‐molecule measurements of electron transfer (see graphic) can reveal interesting static and dynamic disorder in these rates, which would be hidden in ensemble‐averaged measurements, and may help point the way towards an understanding of how single molecules could be used in electronic devices.