Fluorescence detection of single molecules near a solution/glass interface – an electrodynamic analysis

The apparent fluorescence intensity of single molecules in solution near a glass surface is studied theoretically. It is shown that a correct interpretation of experimental data has to take into account not only the spatial variation of the exciting light intensity but also the change of the moleculeʹs fluorescence properties when it approaches the solution/glass surface. Numerical results are presented for the experimental conditions as used by Xu and Yeung [Science 281 (1998) 1650].