What Is a Fluorescence Detector?
A fluorescence detector is an optical device that detects the presence of specific substances using fluorescence.
By irradiating the substance with excitation light and analyzing the fluorescence emitted when the substance transitions from the ground state to the excited state (or vice versa), specific substances such as proteins can be detected. The advantages of a fluorescence detector include its high sensitivity and resistance to interference from other substances, allowing it to detect even trace amounts of substances.
This technology is widely used in fields such as biology and medicine for observing the structures and dynamics of molecules within cells. It is also extensively utilized in environmental monitoring and quality control of food and industrial products. For substances that do not naturally emit fluorescence even when exposed to light, detection is possible by using specific reagents to induce fluorescence. This flexibility enables a wide range of applications.