Illuminate
A controlled source excites the fluorescent sensing layer at its absorption wavelength. Optical geometry limits stray light and establishes a repeatable starting condition.
Optical trace sensing
Fluorescence
Fluorescence sensing converts a selective molecular interaction into an intense optical response. By designing the fluorescent material and excitation optics around a target, the technology can support sensitive, rapid screening in compact field instruments.
Introduction
Fluorescence sensor technology involves using fluorescent materials to detect and analyze target substances. When these fluorescent materials are exposed to light of specific wavelengths, they absorb energy and subsequently emit light of longer wavelengths, known as fluorescence. Measuring the emitted fluorescence can determine the presence and concentration of the target substance. Fluorescence sensors have high sensitivity and can detect analytes at low concentrations. They are versatile and can be used to detect various compounds, designed according to specific applications. The accuracy and real-time capability of fluorescence sensors make them valuable tools for on-site applications.
Technical principleTalk to a technology expert
Amplify a molecular interaction into light.
A fluorescent sensing material absorbs light at one wavelength and releases part of that energy at a longer wavelength. When a target molecule binds to, reacts with or changes the environment around the sensing material, the emitted intensity, wavelength, lifetime or pattern changes.
Optical filters and detectors isolate the emitted fluorescence from the excitation source. Signal-processing methods then compare the response with a baseline or calibrated model to determine whether the target is present and, where the method supports it, estimate its concentration.
Selectivity is created primarily by the sensing chemistry and surface functionalisation rather than by brightness alone. Photostability, temperature, humidity, interfering compounds and ageing must therefore be managed to keep a field result repeatable over time.
Signal path
A designed response, measured in real time.
Fluorescence systems join selective materials with controlled illumination and optical discrimination. The useful result comes from the complete sensing chain.
Respond
The target changes the fluorescent material through binding, reaction, quenching or enhancement. That interaction creates a measurable change linked to the analyte.
Measure
Filters separate the longer-wavelength emission from the excitation light and the detector quantifies its behaviour. Intensity, spectrum or lifetime may be used depending on the method.
Classify
The instrument evaluates the response against a baseline, calibration model and alarm criteria. Compensation helps distinguish a target response from environmental drift.
Engineering considerations
Sensitivity is engineered, not assumed.
The fluorescent material may create the response, but optical isolation, environmental compensation and lifecycle control determine whether that response remains useful in practice.
Recognition chemistry
The receptor or functional surface defines which substances influence the signal. Its selectivity must be assessed against realistic interferents rather than a clean laboratory sample alone.
Optical stability
Source intensity, filter quality, detector noise and photobleaching all affect the baseline. Reference channels and self-checks can improve confidence during extended operation.
Environmental compensation
Temperature, humidity, dust and background fluorescence can alter the response. A field-ready system measures or controls these factors as part of its interpretation.
Key information
Technology Features
Has Very High Sensitivity
High sensitivity: fluorescence methods respond to low analyte concentrations, and the pairing of excitation and emission wavelengths gives a further means of separating a target signal from background. This high sensitivity enables nano-fluorescence technology to have wide applications in fields such as biomarkers, biosensors, and drug detection
Wide wavelength range: Fluorescence materials can adjust their fluorescence emission wavelength by controlling their size, shape, and surface modification, spanning from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. This wide wavelength range of fluorescence signals allows nano-fluorescence technology to adapt to the needs of different samples and facilitates the overlay and analysis of multiple signals
Exhibit targeted responses to specific substances
Versatility: Fluorescent technology can detect and monitor various biologicalmolecules or environmental factors, such as ions, molecules, cells, and biomolecules, through rational design and functionalization. With multiple functionalities, it reduces experimental complexity and costs
Controllability: The optical properties of fluorescent probes can be controlled through material selection, morphology adjustment, surface modification, and other means. By adjusting these parameters, the fluorescence emission wavelength, optical intensity, emission lifetime, and other characteristics of the fluorescent probes can be tailored to meet the requirements of different application scenarios
Strong selectivity to specific targets
Through targeted design and functionalization of fluorescent sensing materials, selective responses to specific chemical compounds can be achieved.
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