We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Biology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Fluorescent Microscope?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 8,477
References
Share

A fluorescent microscope is a device used to examine the amount and type of fluorescence emitted by a sample. Unlike a conventional microscope, a fluorescent microscope creates readable images through the use of irradiation and filtration, rather than traditional reflection. This type of microscope is a vital tool in cellular and genetic research, including in the production of three-dimensional images of microbes.

Fluorescence is a phenomenon that occurs when a material becomes excited, or more active, by exposure to radiation. As the material begins to calm down, the energy created by the excitement is emitted as light. In some substances, fluorescence is a naturally occurring property, meaning no external irradiation is necessary to cause the emission of light. Other substances are not naturally fluorescent, but can become so when excited by the correct wavelength of light. A fluorescent microscope is the primary means for exciting and observing such materials.

In a fluorescent microscope, a sample can be hit with light specifically selected to create fluorescence. Using a filter, the microscope allows only the chosen wavelength to reach the sample, in order to ensure the best reaction. The light source used to create fluorescence may vary, depending on the type of fluorescent microscope and sample. One of the most common light sources used in fluorescent microscopy is a mercury vapor lamp, which creates an extremely bright light. Another frequently used type of light is the xenon arc lamp, which produce a light similar to daylight. In some situations, lasers, rather than traditional lights, may be used instead.

Once the sample has been excited, a second filter becomes necessary to block out the initial wavelength of light. Known as a beam-splitter, this filter reflects light at a lower wavelength than that used to excite the sample. This means that the image created in the microscope will not be contaminated by the initial light source, as the higher wavelength light will pass through the beam-splitter. Thus, the final image created will reflect only the fluorescent light from the sample itself.

The fluorescent microscope has many different applications throughout the scientific world. Most often, it is used in the study of cells and micro-organisms, since it can pinpoint specific details in tiny samples with a high degree of accuracy and clarity. Medical and biological researchers frequently use fluorescent microscopy to study DNA and RNA, learn about the behavior and structural details of cells, and study antibodies to better understand disease.

Share
All The Science is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for All The Science. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.
Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-a-fluorescent-microscope.htm
Copy this link
All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.