title: Determination of the three-dimensional orientation of single molecules.
abstract: A simple method for real-time determination of the full three-dimensional orientation of the emission dipole of single molecules is presented. Introduction of a pi phase step in the back focal plane of the collector lens breaks the inherent symmetry, allowing the longitudinal dipole component to be measured. Experimental tolerances and the consequence of a nonzero bandwidth emission spectrum are also discussed. The scheme also allows for the longitudinal component of an electric field to be found experimentally.
authors.affiliation: Blackett Laboratory, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BZ, UK.
authors.forename: Matthew R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Foreman
authors.forename: Carlos Macías
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Török