Abstract

The fluorescence properties of molecules adsorbed on a solid surface are changed compared with those in solution. The self-quenching via energy transfer to nonfluorescent dimers becomes more important owing to the two-dimensional arrangement. Furthermore the surface itself can act as a quencher. In the case of conducting surfaces under suitable conditions (submicroscopic roughness) also a surface enhancement that is due to plasma resonances is possible. In a usual cw experiment it is difficult to differentiate between these mechanisms influencing fluorescence.

© 1984 Optical Society of America