Monday, March 12, 2007

A Fluorescence Microscope is a light microscope used to study properties of organic or nonorganic substances using the phenomena of fluorescence and phosphorescence instead of reflection and absorption. These microscopes became an important part in the field of biology and medicine. The fluorescence technique has made it possible to identify cells and cellular components with a high degree of specificity. In fluorescence microscopy, the sample to study is itself the light source. The technique is used to study specimens, which can be made to fluoresce. The fluorescence microscope is based on the phenomenon that certain material emits energy detectable as visible light when irradiated with the light of a specific wavelength. The sample can either be fluorescing in its natural form like chlorophyll and some minerals, or treated with fluorescing chemicals. Fluorescence microscopy is a rapid expanding technique, both in the medical and biological sciences.