Fluorescence spectroscopy is a type of spectroscopy that studies the light emitted by a substance after it absorbs light or other electromagnetic radiation. Here’s a explanation:
1. How It Works
- A molecule absorbs light (usually UV or visible light).
- This excites an electron to a higher energy level.
- After a very short time, the electron falls back to a lower energy level, and the molecule emits light.
- The emitted light is called fluorescence.
2. Key Features
- The emitted light usually has a longer wavelength (lower energy) than the absorbed light.
- Fluorescence is very fast, usually happening in nanoseconds.
- Only certain molecules (fluorophores) can fluoresce.
3. Uses of Fluorescence Spectroscopy
- Detecting trace amounts of substances in liquids.
- Studying biological molecules, like proteins and DNA.
- Environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.
- Forensic science to detect substances like blood or drugs.
Analogy:
Think of it like a glow-in-the-dark sticker: it “soaks up” light, stores some energy briefly, and then “glows” by emitting light.