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Related Concept Videos

Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy01:16

Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy

Confocal microscopy is an advanced microscopic technique. The prime advantage of the confocal microscope over other microscopy techniques is its ability to block the out-of-focus light from the illuminated samples using pinholes. It is widely used with fluorescence optics to obtain high-resolution, sharp contrast images. Unlike optical microscopes, confocal microscopes use a focused beam of light laser to scan the entire sample surface at different z-planes. These microscopes are, therefore,...
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Fluorometers and spectrofluorometers are two types of instruments used for measuring molecular fluorescence. These instruments differ in how they select excitation and emission wavelengths and the type of light sources they utilize. Fluorometers use absorption interference filters to choose excitation and emission wavelengths. The excitation source in a fluorometer is typically a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp that emits intense lines distributed throughout the ultraviolet and visible regions.
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Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which are...
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Atomic spectroscopy is a vital tool in elemental analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It can be broadly divided into optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy methods. The optical spectroscopic methods are atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). The first step in all three methods is atomization, where the solid, liquid, or solution-phase samples are converted into gas-phase atoms and...
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy01:05

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Dual-Color Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy to Study Protein-Protein Interaction and Protein Dynamics in Live Cells
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Published on: December 11, 2021

Brief introduction to fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

Elliot L Elson1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. elson@wustl.edu

Methods in Enzymology
|January 2, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measures transport and reaction rates in biological systems without perturbation. This technique quantifies molecular numbers and brightness, aiding in the study of dynamic molecular processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful technique for analyzing dynamic molecular processes.
  • It measures transport and reaction kinetics in equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems.
  • FCS operates without perturbing the system's state.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the principles and applications of Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS).
  • To highlight FCS's utility in studying dynamic molecular processes in biological systems.
  • To discuss recent advancements and the broad applicability of FCS.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzing fluorescence fluctuations within a laser-illuminated observation volume.
  • Extracting transport rates (diffusion coefficients, convection velocities) and reaction rate constants.
  • Determining the number of fluorescent molecules and their brightness.

Main Results:

  • FCS quantifies transport and reaction rates from fluorescence fluctuations.
  • It provides molecular counts and brightness, enabling aggregation studies.
  • FCS is a routine tool across physics, chemistry, and biology.

Conclusions:

  • FCS is highly sensitive and chemically specific for studying dynamic molecular processes.
  • Its ability to form small detection volumes makes it ideal for living cells.
  • FCS offers insights into mesoscopic systems and single-molecule studies.