Definition

Noun 1. Self-induced fluorescence: The property of certain materials to emit light (fluoresce) when they absorb light, without the addition of external fluorescent dyes or tags. This fluorescence is an intrinsic characteristic of the substance itself.

Usage

• Autofluorescence is a key consideration in microscopy and biomedical imaging, as it can create background noise that must be distinguished from specific fluorescent labeling.
• The term is used to describe an inherent optical property, not an applied one.

Examples

• The autofluorescence of plant chlorophyll can interfere with imaging other cellular structures.
• Researchers used a filter to reduce tissue autofluorescence and improve the signal from the fluorescent antibody.
• The inherent autofluorescence of the material made it glow under the ultraviolet lamp.

Advanced Usage

• Autofluorescence imaging: A technique that utilizes the natural fluorescence of tissues (e.g., from collagen or elastin) for diagnostic purposes, such as in detecting certain cancers or monitoring skin health.
• Autofluorescence lifetime: A more advanced measurement that analyzes the time duration of the autofluorescent emission, which can provide information about the molecular environment of the fluorescing substance.

Variants and Related Words

• Autofluorescent (adjective): Having the property of autofluorescence.
  • The autofluorescent structures were clearly visible under the microscope.
• Fluorescence (noun): The general emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.
• Background autofluorescence: A common phrase referring to the undesired fluorescent signal inherent to a sample or material.

Synonyms

• Intrinsic fluorescence
• Native fluorescence
• Primary fluorescence

Antonyms

• Secondary fluorescence (fluorescence from an applied dye or stain)
• Stain-induced fluorescence
• Label-dependent fluorescence

Related Phrases

• Quench autofluorescence: To suppress or reduce autofluorescence using chemical or optical methods.
  • The protocol includes a step to quench autofluorescence for a cleaner image.
• Correct for autofluorescence: To digitally or mathematically subtract the autofluorescent signal from an image during data analysis.
  • The software can correct for autofluorescence to reveal the specific probe signal.

Noun

1. self-induced fluorescence