Exploring the limits of single emitter detection in fluorescence and extinction

• Published in: Optics express Vol. 16; no. 22; pp. 17358 - 17365
• Main Authors: Wrigge, G, Hwang, J, Gehardt, I, Zumofen, G, Sandoghdar, V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 27.10.2008

We present an experimental comparison and a theoretical analysis of the signal-to-noise ratios in fluorescence and extinction spectroscopy of a single emitter. We show that because of its homodyne nature the extinction measurements can be advantageous if the emitter is weakly excited. Furthermore, w...