Local heating and Raman thermometry in a single molecule

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1015
• Publication Date: 2024-01-17T18:59:36Z
• Authors: Qiushi Meng; Junxian Zhang; Yao Zhang; Weizhe Chu; Wenjie Mao; Yang Zhang; Jinlong Yang; Yi Luo; Zhenchao Dong; J. G. Hou
• Keywords: Characterization; Thermal equilibrium

Because of the nonequilibrium nature thermal effects at nanoscale, characterization local within a single molecule is highly challenging. Here, we demonstrate way to characterize properties fullerene (C 60 ) during current-induced heating processes through tip-enhanced anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy. Although measured vibron populations are far from equilibrium with environment, can still define an “effective temperature ( T eff )” statistically via Bose-Einstein distribution, suggesting molecule. With increased current heating, found rise up about 1150 K until C cage decomposed. Such decomposition similar that reported for ensemble samples, thus justifying validity our methodology. Moreover, possible reaction pathway and product be identified because chemical sensitivity Our findings provide practical method noninvasively detecting effect inside under conditions.