Overview

The intensity of fluorescence recorded in a sample depends on a large number of parameters that may change without operator control or awareness. The most common of these is the intensity of lasers reaching the sample and exciting fluorescence. A quick QC protocol should be performed before any experiment in which images will be analyzed or just compared in terms of intensity and/or size. The intensity of excitation light for each of the laser lines used is monitored in reflection mode, using a time lapse z scan. This can help to discriminate between variations in laser intensity and the z-shift of the stage. This fast and simple protocol is powerful in detecting system instability and discriminating causes.

Duration

Lasts for a few minutes