Calibration of dynamic molecular rulers based on plasmon coupling between gold nanoparticles.

Reinhard, Björn M; Siu, Merek; Agarwal, Harish; Alivisatos, A Paul; Liphardt, Jan · Nano Lett · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Pairs of noble metal nanoparticles can be used to measure distances via the distance dependence of their plasmon coupling. These "plasmon rulers" offer exceptional photostability and brightness; however, the advantages and limitations of this approach remain to be explored. Here we report detailed plasmon peak versus separation calibration curves for 42- and 87-nm-diameter particle pairs, determine their measurement errors, and describe experimental procedures to improve their performance in biology, nanotechnology, and materials sciences.

Medical subject headings