"Optical microscopy forms the basis of most of the natural sciences. Besides the direct visualization of objects hidden to the unaided human eye, optical spectroscopy – or in other words “colour vision”- is of prime importance providing information on electronic and vibronic properties. In addition, experiments using ultrafast laser pulses provide the highest possible temporal resolution enabling real-time observations of photo-induced processes. Conventional microscopy, however, suffers from diffraction resulting in limited spatial resolution of about 300 nm and low signal levels.The aim of this proposal is to develop novel spectroscopic tools with sub-diffraction resolution. Our approach is based on the localization and enhancement of light-matter interactions using optical antennas. We have shown that antenna-enhanced microscopy provides 10 nm resolution combined with enormous signal amplification and now envision new techniques that extend existing schemes into the femtosecond time-domain with further improved image contrast.Semiconductor nanowires and carbon nanotubes possess unique properties crucial to many areas of technology including communications, alternative energy and the biological sciences. At present, there is a significant lack of understanding regarding the physics of these materials. For example, the correlation between local atomic structure and the resulting optical and functional properties.We will first address fundamental scientific questions arising from highly localized optical probing and explore new phenomena including antenna-enhanced single photon emission and energy transfer. Using our newly developed tools, we will study functional properties of single nanostructures and demonstrate antenna-enhanced light-detection and generation.In summary, our work will lead to fundamentally new optical tools providing unprecedented insights into nanostructures and will substantially advance our understanding of light-matter interactions."