Learn more about the design of microscope photometers
The microscope photometer is designed to measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation from the UV through the visible to the near infrared regions. It can be configured for single, double or triple wavelength ratiometric measurements of micron sized samples. The measured light can either have been transmitted through the sample, been reflected from the sample or been emitted from the sample by a luminescent process.
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Transmission or Absorption Micro Photometry
The microscope photometer, also called a cytophotometer, combines aspects of both the microscope and a photometer. When the two components are integrated, the system is able to measure the intensity of light and to image microscopic samples.
Individually, the microscope is an optical instrument that uses lenses and mirrors to produce magnified images of microscopic objects or microscopic areas of larger objects. The sample can be illuminated in a number of ways. Transmission involves focusing the light through a condenser and onto the sample. The light that is transmitted through the sample is collected by the microscope objective and imaged onto the entrance aperture of the photometer. The light intensity for the selected wavelength is then measured. The digital camera images both the aperture and the sample simultaneously making it simple to determine what exactly is being measured.
Reflectance Micro Photometry
When the microscope is configured for incident illumination or reflectance, the light is focused through the objective and onto the sample. The sample reflects some light back and this is collected by the microscope objective. That light is then imaged onto the entrance aperture of the photometer and the intensity for the selected wavelength is then measured. The digital camera images both the aperture and the sample simultaneously making it simple to determine what exactly is being measured.
Fluorescence Micro Photometry
When the microscope is configured for fluorescence photometry, the exciting energy is focused through the objective and onto the sample. The sample absorbs the electromagnetic energy and then re-emits a lower energy photon. some light back and this is collected by the microscope objective. That light is then imaged onto entrance aperture of the photometer and the intensity for the selected wavelength is then measured. The digital camera images both the aperture and the sample simultaneously making it simple to determine what exactly is being measured.
Immunofluorescence
