Abstract: The method is well suited for single molecule observation. A fluorescence or Raman signal from single molecules is detected by photon counting. The sequence of detected photons is divided into counting intervals by defining the end of a counting interval when a predefined number of photons has been counted. For the photons from every counting interval, stochastic variables are determined like fluorescence decay time, anisotropy of the observed signal, etc., which are characteristic for the molecules. A multidimensional histogram is constructed as a function of the stochastic variables, whereby the histogram is built up using values of the variables determined from each counting interval. Regions of the histogram can be used to determine how the molecules are distributed in respect to binding sites, etc. The signal from selected regions of the histograms can then be chosen for further selective analysis to give species specific results.

Abstract: A method which serves for writing a three-dimensional arrangement of data bits to a solid-state body comprises the steps of selecting a protein having fluorescence properties that can be altered by means of an optical write signal; providing the solid-state body made from the protein, the protein being present in the solid-state body in crystalline form; setting a spatial distribution which corresponds to the three-dimensional arrangement of data bits of the fluorescence properties of the protein of the solid-state body by means of the optical write signal.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of chemical and/or biological samples, in particular by means of luminescence spectroscopy, comprises an irradiation unit (12), a sample receiver (10), at least one optical unit (30) and a detector unit (40). Electromagnetic radiation of various wavelength ranges and/or polarizations are led from the sample (10) from the irradiation unit (12). The color marker in the sample (10), which contains at least one color marker, is stimulated into producing luminescence and gives off light. The emitted light is led by means of an optical unit to a detector unit. The light emitted by the color markers is detected by detectors (42, 44, 46, 48) in the detector unit. According to the invention, the measurement results may be improved on the irradiation unit (12) generating a pulsed irradiation. The irradiation unit is thus preferably controlled by a control unit (18) in such a way that the irradiation pulses impinge on the sample (10) in a temporal sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying the impacts of interfering effects on experimental data. In particular, a method is described for identifying the impacts of unwanted auto-fluorescence, fluorescence quenching, and deterioration of a fluorescent sample under study on the collected experimental data. The data are analyzed whether or not said data fulfill certain criteria with respect to a threshold which is indicative for said interfering effect.

Abstract: The method is well suited for single molecule observation. A fluorescence or Raman signal from single molecules is detected by photon counting. The sequence of detected photons is divided into counting intervals by defining the end of a counting interval when a predefined number of photons has been counted. For the photons from every counting interval, stochastic variables are determined like fluorescence decay time, anisotropy of the observed signal, etc., which are characteristic for the molecules. A multidimensional histogram is constructed as a function of the stochastic variables, whereby the histogram is built up using values of the variables determined from each counting interval. Regions of the histogram can be used to determine how the molecules are distributed in respect to binding sites, etc. The signal from selected regions of the histograms can then be chosen for further selective analysis to give species specific results.