Alternating-laser excitation of single molecules

Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy addresses biological mechanisms and enables ultrasensitive diagnostics. We describe a new family of single-molecule fluorescence methods that uses alternating-laser excitation (ALEX) of diffusing or immobilized biomolecules to study their structure, interactions, and dynamics. This is accomplished using ratios that report on the distance between and the smichiometry of fluorophores attached to the molecules of interest. The principle of alternation is compatible with several time scales, allowing monitoring of fast dynamics or simultaneous monitoring of a large number of individual molecules.