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Title: Three-Dimensional Orientation Determination of Stationary Anisotropic Nanoparticles with Sub-Degree Precision under Total Internal Reflection Scattering Microscopy

Journal Article · · Nano Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/nl4029818· OSTI ID:1127326

Single-particle and single-molecule orientation determination plays a vital role in deciphering nanoscale motion in complex environments. Previous attempts to determine the absolute three-dimensional orientation of anisotropic particles rely on subjective pattern matching and are inherently plagued by high degrees of uncertainty. Herein, we describe a method utilizing total internal reflection scattering microscopy to determine the 3D orientation of gold nanorods with subdegree uncertainty. The method is then applied to the biologically relevant system of microtubule cargo loading. Finally, we demonstrate the method holds potential for identifying single particles versus proximate neighbors within the diffraction limited area.

Research Organization:
Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-07CH11358
OSTI ID:
1127326
Report Number(s):
IS-T-8133
Journal Information:
Nano Letters, Vol. 13, Issue 11; ISSN 1530--6984
Publisher:
American Chemical Society
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English