Instruments and respective accessories used to characterize the fluorescence a sample. Includes assays for a variety of applications.

Fluorometers or fluorospectrometers are used to identify the presence and quantity of specific molecules in a medium. The mechanisms of measurement involve a light source to excite the molecules to fluoresce and a means to isolate a specific wavelength at which to measure the light emitted.

Advantages of fluorescence include:

• Sensitivity: Measures concentrations in the picomole and femtomole ranges (and lower)
• Quantitative: Fluorescence signals are proportional to concentration; changes in intensity occur rapidly, making the technique suitable for in situ studies and fast processes
• Safe: Non-destructive to biological samples, with no hazardous byproducts

Some examples of fluorescence spectroscopy areas of use include:

• Biology
  • To measurethe fluorescence of chlorophyll (plant physiology)
  • Observe cellular processes
  • Molecule detection
• Biochemistry
  • Cytometry and cell sorting
  • Gel electrophoresis
• Chemistry
  • Fluorescent detectors in HPLC and other chromatography applications
  • Laser-induced fluorescence to study molecular electronic structures
  • Measure concentrations in combustion, plasma, and flow phenomena
  • Organic compound analysis
• Environmentalmonitoring
  • Analyze dissolved organic matter in water to identify sources and paths
• Forensics
  • Detecting fingerprints and blood
  • Analyzing fibers and other materials
• Medicine
  • Tissue analysis for cancer detection
  • Glucose sensors
  • DNA sequencing
• Other
  • Gemstone analysis
  • Mineral analysis
  • Crude oil residue assessments