Advancing single-molecule instrumentation through nanoscale optics, fabrication, and surface functionalization

This thesis describes developments in the single-molecule instrumentation, in particular optical torque wrench and DNA nanocurtains, with the goal of employing these techniques in studies of biomolecules and biomotors. Importantly, the use of single-crystal rutile titanium dioxide nanocylinders is suggested for optical torque wrench, enabling...

Single-Crystal Rutile TiO ₂ Nanocylinders are Highly Effective Transducers of Optical Force and Torque

Optical trapping of (sub)micron-sized particles is broadly employed in nanoscience and engineering. The materials commonly employed for these particles, however, have physical properties that limit the transfer of linear or angular momentum (or both). This reduces the magnitude of forces and torques, and the spatiotemporal resolution,...