Single-molecule studies represent a distinct area of research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, focusing on the recent advances in this field. This work highlights the intellectual and technological challenges of studying single molecules, while also showcasing the vast potential for new scientific discoveries. Various techniques for single-molecule analysis are presented, including electron-tunneling methods, interaction-force measurement techniques, and optical spectroscopy, along with potential avenues for future exploration. The aim is to familiarize readers, particularly graduate students and those interested in single-molecule research, with the rapid progress in this area and the essential techniques involved. Due to space constraints, the book does not delve into the intricate technical details of all experimental methods crucial for single-molecule studies; instead, it provides introductions to selected methods within context. The technical aspects and theoretical analyses of these techniques have been extensively covered in existing literature, so this work focuses on the basic principles of detection techniques and their experimental successes in single-molecule research. These methods have proven effective when used independently, and their combination could enhance detection capabilities further.
