How Do Fluorophores Work

Fluorescent molecules, also called fluorophores or simply fluors, respond distinctly to light compared to other molecules. As shown below, a photon of excitation light is absorbed by an electron of a fluorescent particle, which raises the energy level of the electron to an excited state.

What is the function of fluorophores?

Fluorophores (or fluorochromes) are commonly used in conjugation with antibodies as detection reagents in applications such as flow cytometry. Fluorophores can absorb and emit light within a range of wavelengths, normally referred to as the absorbance (excitation) and emission spectra.

What is fluorescence and how does it work?

Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. It is a form of luminescence. In most cases, the emitted light has a longer wavelength, and therefore a lower photon energy, than the absorbed radiation.