Fast calculation of fluorescence correlation data with asynchronous time-correlated single-photon counting

Area of Science:

• Spectroscopy
• Physical Chemistry
• Biophysics

Background:

• Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) analyzes dilute samples, down to single molecules.
• Standard data acquisition uses asynchronous photon counting, generating data only upon photon detection.
• Converting this data to FCS curves is challenging, especially for complex analyses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an efficient algorithm for converting asynchronously recorded photon count data into FCS curves.
• To address the challenges in complex correlation analysis, including combinations with time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC).
• To provide a versatile tool applicable to advanced FCS techniques.

Main Methods:

• Development and analysis of a novel algorithm for photon count data processing.
• Application of the algorithm to standard and complex FCS data acquisition scenarios.
• Integration with time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) for advanced correlation analysis.

Main Results:

• The presented algorithm demonstrates high efficiency in converting photon count data to FCS curves.
• The method is adaptable to various levels of complexity in correlation analysis.
• Successful application in scenarios combining FCS with TCSPC.

Conclusions:

• The developed algorithm offers a significant improvement for FCS data analysis.
• It simplifies the conversion of asynchronously recorded data, enhancing usability.
• The algorithm's adaptability makes it valuable for advanced spectroscopic studies.