Review and perspective of single-molecule spectroscopy for chemistry

Abstract

Single-molecule spectroscopy (SMS) has emerged as a powerful technique more than three decades after its initial optical detection in solid matrices. Over this period, numerous technological advancements have been made, leading to successful implementation of these methods across various scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and materials. While SMS has found extensive utility in the field of biology, particularly in super-resolution imaging, its application in chemistry remains relatively limited. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the diverse applications of SMS in several areas, highlighting its potential applications in chemistry. Furthermore, we provide a brief perspective on the future development of SMS, emphasizing its promising prospects for advancing chemical research.