Controlled single-electron transfer enables time-resolved excited-state spectroscopy of individual molecules

This paper presents a novel single-molecule spectroscopy method that allows for the individual probing of various quantum transitions (radiative, non-radiative, and redox) within a single molecule. The technique utilizes controlled, alternating single-charge attachment and detachment, with spin states mapped to detectable charge states via atomic force microscopy (AFM). The method's application to pentacene and PTCDA molecules helps clarify the interpretation of STM-induced luminescence experiments on PTCDA, demonstrating its potential for guiding and understanding tip-induced chemical reactions and molecular luminescence.

Lisanne Sellies, Jakob Eckrich, Leo Gross, Andrea Donarini, Jascha Repp