Fluorescence microscope
Fluorescence Microscope
A Fluorescence Microscope (pronunciation: /flʊəˈrɛsəns ˈmaɪkrəˌskoʊp/) is a specific type of light microscope that uses fluorescence and phosphorescence instead of, or in addition to, reflection and absorption to study properties of organic or inorganic substances.
Etymology
The term "Fluorescence Microscope" is derived from the English words "fluorescence", which refers to the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation, and "microscope", which is an instrument used for viewing objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
Function
The primary function of a Fluorescence Microscope is to allow the imaging of specimens that emit light (fluoresce) after being excited by specific wavelengths of light. This is achieved by using a higher intensity light source to illuminate the sample, which then emits light of a longer wavelength that the microscope can detect.
Types
There are several types of Fluorescence Microscopes, including the Epifluorescence microscope, Confocal microscope, and Two-photon excitation microscopy. Each type uses different methods to excite the fluorescent molecules in the sample and to limit the detection to the plane of focus.
Applications
Fluorescence Microscopes are widely used in biology, medicine, and material science to examine the distribution and dynamics of specific molecules in biological samples, such as cells and tissues, or in materials.
Related Terms
- Fluorophore: A fluorescent chemical compound that can re-emit light upon light excitation.
- Dichroic mirror: A mirror with significantly different reflection or transmission properties at two different wavelengths.
- Spectrophotometry: The quantitative measurement of the reflection or transmission properties of a material as a function of wavelength.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fluorescence microscope
- Wikipedia's article - Fluorescence microscope
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