Did you know TracePro Expert can model fluorescence? In basic terms, fluorescence is when a material absorbs lower wavelength light and then re-emits it at longer wavelengths. Fluorescence is a useful phenomenon in many applications, including biomedical applications such as fluorescence microscopy, fluorescent displays and indicators, and phosphor based white light LEDs.
Figure 1: Fluorescence microplate reader
The properties used in the TracePro model play a key role in this flexibility. The correct properties need to be used for the wavelengths needed. For example, this may mean using a fused silica glass for a UV application or a TPX material for an application in the terahertz frequency region.
Figure 2: Phosphor based LED
The Fluorescence Property in TracePro allows users to define the absorption, excitation, and emission spectra of the fluorescent material as a function of wavelength. Additional parameters such as conversion efficiency, peak molar extinction, and molar concentration can also be defined.
TracePro includes catalogs of fluorescent dyes and users can add new fluorescence properties at any time.
The fluorescence raytrace in TracePro is a two-step process. First the excitation rays are traced and then the fluorescent emission is calculated. Next, the emission rays are traced. By default, this process happens automatically. Additionally, fluorescence is modeled as a volume effect and not a surface effect, more accurately modeling real-world conditions.
Figure 3: Excitation rays
Figure 4: Emission rays
TracePro gives you the ability to design and analyze a wide range of fluorescence applications accurately and efficiently.