Fluorescence spectroscopy

Fluorescence spectroscopy or fluorometry is a type of electromagnetic spectroscopy used for analyzing fluorescent spectra. It involves using a beam of light, usually ultraviolet light, that excites the electrons in molecules of certain compounds and causes them to emit light of a lower energy, typically, but not necessarily, visible light.

Fluorometer

A fluorometer measures fluorescence.

Types

• Filter fluorometers use filters to isolate the incident light and fluorescent light.
• Spectrofluorometers use diffraction grating monochromators to isolate the incident light and fluorescent light. In these devices, the spectrum can consist of the intensity of emitted light as a function of the wavelength of either the incident light (excitation spectrum) or the emitted light, or both.

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Analysis of data

There is a relationship between concentration and fluorescence intensity.

Applications

It used in, among others, biochemical, medical, and chemical research fields, for analysing organic compounds. There has been report of its use in differentiating malign skin tumours from benign.

See also

• Confocal microscopy
• X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Beer's law