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Fluorescence is the phenomenon in which absorption of light of a given wavelength by a fluorescent molecule is followed by the emission of light at longer wavelengths. The distribution of wavelength-dependent intensity that causes fluorescence is known as the fluorescence excitation spectrum, and the distribution of wavelength-dependent intensity of emitted energy is known as the fluorescence emission spectrum.

Fluorescence detection has three major advantages over other light-based investigation methods: high sensitivity, high speed, and safety. The point of safety refers to the fact that samples are not affected or destroyed in the process, and no hazardous byproducts are generated.

Sensitivity is an important issue because the fluorescence signal is proportional to the concentration of the substance being investigated. Relatively small changes in ion concentration in living cells can have significant physiological effects. Whereas absorbance measurements can reliably determine concentrations only as low as several tenths of a micromolar, fluorescence techniques can accurately measure concentrations one million times smaller -- pico- and even femtomolar. Quantities less than an attomole (<10-18 mole) may be detected.

Using fluorescence, one can monitor very rapid changes in concentration. Changes in fluorescence intensity on the order of picoseconds can be detected if necessary.

Because it is a non-invasive technique, fluorescence does not interfere with a sample. The excitation light levels required to generate a fluorescence signal are low, reducing the effects of photo-bleaching, and living tissue can be investigated with no adverse effects on its natural physiological behavior.

Fluoresence in Diamonds

Fluorescence in some degree is common in a great percentage of diamonds. Fluorescence is a form of lumination that is created when a diamond is exposed to low or high wave ultraviolet radiation. Faint or medium fluorescence will rarely affect a diamond's appearance. Usually fluorescence is unnoticed by the human eye in ordinary light. Fluorescence can cause a diamond to appear less clear or slightly hazy if the diamond exhibits very strong or extreme fluorescence. When selecting your diamond it is best to choose a diamond that has no fluorescence or faint to moderate fluorescence.

Diamonds that possess strong fluorescence in color grades lower than the color grade of H will often face up approximately one color grade better than a non-fluorescent diamond. Strong fluorescence can actually improve the appearance of diamonds that possess traces of color. Diamonds that possess strong fluorescence in colorless to very near colorless grades D through G sometime exhibit a noticeable luminescence which can give the diamond a hazy appearance. A strong or extremely fluorescent diamond can usually be purchased for 10 to 30% less than a diamond that possesses fluorescence that is moderate or better.

Listed below is a list of abbreviations for describing strength of fluorescence.

N, NO, NON, - No Fluorescence
F, FB, FT, FA, - Faint or Faint Blue Fluorescence
SL, SLB, SLT, - Slight Fluorescence
M, MO, ME, MD - Medium or Moderate Fluorescence
S, ST, STB, STG, - Strong Fluorescence
E, EX, EXB, EF, - Extreme Fluorescence
If you are searching for a diamond using the Certified-Plus Diamond diamond search feature, you will get a list of diamonds showing many details about each diamonds cut. The descriptions on each diamond are entered as they appear on the certified diamond report of quality. The fluorescence description is abbreviated as shown above. Please note, the abbreviations can vary due to differing methods of database input that is used by different diamond cutters.