Single-molecule laser nanospectroscopy with micro-electron volt energy resolution

Ways to characterize and control excited states at the single-molecule and atomic levels are needed to exploit excitation-triggered energy-conversion processes. Here, we present a single-molecule spectroscopic method with micro-electron volt energy and submolecular-spatial resolution using laser driving of nanocavity plasmons to induce molecular luminescence in scanning tunneling microscopy. This tunable and monochromatic nanoprobe allows state-selective characterization of the energy levels and linewidths of individual electronic and vibrational quantum states of a single molecule. Moreover, we demonstrate that the energy levels of the states can be finely tuned by using the Stark effect and plasmon-exciton coupling in the tunneling junction. Our technique and findings open a route to the creation of designed energy-converting functions by using tuned energy levels of molecular systems.

Automated summary

A single-molecule spectroscopic method with micro-electron volt energy and submolecular-spatial resolution has been developed to induce molecular luminescence in scanning tunneling microscopy. The state-selective characterization of energy levels and linewidths of individual electronic and vibrational quantum states of a single molecule has been demonstrated. Tuning energy levels of molecular systems through the Stark effect and plasmon-exciton coupling in the tunneling junction opens up possibilities for creating designed energy-converting functions.