Ultrasensitive detection of non-fluorescent molecules

Abstract

The subject of ultrasensitive detection of non-fluorescent molecules is extremely important in fields of analytical chemistry and measurement technologies.　Although it is presently possible to detect a single fluorescent molecule, it is very difficult to detect non-fluorescent molecules at a single-molecule level.　In this paper, we describe the principle of a thermal lens microscope, which can detect non-fluorescent molecules at the single-molecule level, and its performance and applications.　We also describe a desktop thermal lens microscope and a palmtop thermal lens detection device.