Abstract

Single fluorescent molecules embedded in the bulk of host crystals have proven to be excellent probes of the dynamics in their nano environment, thanks to their narrow optical linewidth of the 0-0 zero-phonon line at cryogenic temperatures. Here, we study single fluorescent terrylene molecules adsorbed on the surface of hexagonal boron-nitride substrates. Our low-temperature results show the observation of the 0-0 ZPL of fluorescent molecules on a surface. We compare molecules deposited on annealed and non-annealed hBN flakes and observe improved spectral stability after annealing. High-resolution spectra suggest hBN may be useful with a variety of single-molecule emitters for surface and nanophotonic studies.

Abstract

Single fluorescent molecules embedded in the bulk of host crystals have proven to be excellent probes of the dynamics in their nano environment, thanks to their narrow optical linewidth of the 0-0 zero-phonon line at cryogenic temperatures. Here, we study single fluorescent terrylene molecules adsorbed on the surface of hexagonal boron-nitride substrates. Our low-temperature results show the observation of the 0-0 ZPL of fluorescent molecules on a surface. We compare molecules deposited on annealed and non-annealed hBN flakes and observe improved spectral stability after annealing. High-resolution spectra suggest hBN may be useful with a variety of single-molecule emitters for surface and nanophotonic studies.

Abstract

Single fluorescent molecules embedded in the bulk of host crystals have proven to be excellent probes of the dynamics in their nano environment, thanks to their narrow optical linewidth of the 0-0 zero-phonon line at cryogenic temperatures. Here, we study single fluorescent terrylene molecules adsorbed on the surface of hexagonal boron-nitride substrates. Our low-temperature results show the observation of the 0-0 ZPL of fluorescent molecules on a surface. We compare molecules deposited on annealed and non-annealed hBN flakes and observe improved spectral stability after annealing. High-resolution spectra suggest hBN may be useful with a variety of single-molecule emitters for surface and nanophotonic studies.

Abstract

Single fluorescent molecules embedded in the bulk of host crystals have proven to be excellent probes of the dynamics in their nano environment, thanks to their narrow optical linewidth of the 0-0 zero-phonon line at cryogenic temperatures. Here, we study single fluorescent terrylene molecules adsorbed on the surface of hexagonal boron-nitride substrates. Our low-temperature results show the observation of the 0-0 ZPL of fluorescent molecules on a surface. We compare molecules deposited on annealed and non-annealed hBN flakes and observe improved spectral stability after annealing. High-resolution spectra suggest hBN may be useful with a variety of single-molecule emitters for surface and nanophotonic studies.