Future directions in all-optical label-free single-molecule sensing

This perspective discusses the future role of all-optical label-free single-molecule sensing. After summarizing the core working principles of the different detection modalities we discuss future research directions in terms of technology development and applications. In terms of future technologies we address research directions in the areas of multi-parametric and interaction free sensors, integration and miniaturization, and advanced data analysis. We further describe potential applications towards probing of protein interactions, DNA and protein sequencing, and molecular diagnostics.