Characterization of diffusing sub-10 nm nano-objects using single anti-resonant element optical fibers

Accurate characterization of diffusing nanoscale species is increasingly important for revealing processes at the nanoscale, with fiber-assisted nanoparticle-tracking-analysis representing a new and promising approach in this field. In this work, we uncover the potential of this approach for the characterization of very small nanoparticles (<20nm) through experimental studies, statistical analysis and the employment of a sophisticated fiber and chip design. The central results is the characterization of diffusing nanoparticles as small as 9nm with record-high precision, corresponding to the smallest diameter yet determined for an individual nanoparticle with nanoparticle-tracking-analysis using elastic light scattering alone. Here, the detectable scattering cross-section is limited only by the background scattering of the ultrapure water, thus reaching the fundamental limit of Nanoparticle-Tracking-Analysis in general. The obtained results outperform other realizations and allow access to previously difficult to address application fields such as understanding nanoparticle growth or control of pharmaceuticals.

Automated summary

In this work, the authors demonstrate the potential of fiber-assisted nanoparticle-tracking-analysis for characterizing very small nanoparticles (<20nm) with high precision. Through experimental studies and statistical analysis, they were able to characterize diffusing nanoparticles as small as 9nm, reaching the fundamental limit of Nanoparticle-Tracking-Analysis. The obtained results outperform other realizations and have implications for various applications such as nanoparticle growth and pharmaceutical control.