Speaker: Dr. Haw Yang, Princeton University

We will start with an introductory discussion on the nanoscale dynamics in room-temperature solution, and the challenges to study them. We then discuss a new experimental method that allows locking a nanoscale target at the focus of a microscope objective and tracing the target’s 3D motion in real time with 10-µs time resolution and 10-nm localization precision in all three dimensions. We show how spectroscopy can be performed on a freely moving gold nanoparticle, to reveal the shape anisotropy of the nanoparticle. Beyond passive tracking and spectroscopy, we discuss how one can utilize thermal fluctuations for purposeful work — photon nudging — driving a Janus particle like a submarine. Finally, if time permits, we will discuss how the technology enables new imaging modalities, making it possible to uncover the life stages of a virus-like particle entering a live cell.

References:

1. H. Cang, C. M. Wong, C. S. Xu, A. H. Rizvi and H. Yang, Appl. Phys. Lett. 88, 223901 (2006).

2. D. Montiel, H. Cang and H. Yang, J. Phys. Chem. B 110, 19763-19770 (2006).

3. C. S. Xu, H. Cang, D. Montiel and H. Yang, J. Phys. Chem. C 111, 32-35 (2007).

4. H. Cang, C. S. Xu, D. Montiel and H. Yang, Opt. Lett. 32, 2729-2731 (2007).

5. H. Cang, D. Montiel, C. S. Xu and H. Yang, J. Chem. Phys. 129, 044503 (2008).

6. B. Qian, D. Montiel, A. Bregulla, F. Cichos and H. Yang, Chem Sci 4, 1420-1429 (2013).