Single-molecule studies beyond optical imaging: Multi-parameter single-molecule spectroscopy

Single molecule spectroscopy has undergone a remarkable development in the past few decades, and its ability to unmask the unique features of individual molecules has found increasing use in research of soft matter and polymers, in chemistry, as well as in biophysics and biology. In this concise review we bring an overview of the synergy effects that result from combinations of single-molecule and single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy with other techniques, such as electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy, or with external-field effects including hydrostatic pressure and electric and magnetic fields.