What is fluorescence spectroscopy?

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a type of electromagnetic spectroscopy that analyzes the fluorescence from a sample. It involves using a beam of light, usually ultraviolet, that excites the electrons in molecules of certain compounds and causes them to emit light of a lower energy, typically, but not necessarily, visible light. This emitted light is then analyzed to determine the presence and quantity of specific molecules or structures in a sample. It is commonly used in biochemical, medical, and environmental research and diagnostics for applications like detecting contaminants, identifying biological molecules, and studying cellular processes.