Autofluorescence
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in Glossary
Some materials fluoresce under UV or blue excitation, releasing light at longer wavelengths. This autofluorescence creates a non-coherent, unstructured signal, which can contaminate imaging data—particularly in fluorescence microscopy, biosensing, and quantum applications.
Common in:
- Acrylate-based epoxies
- Lower-grade polymers
Minimized in:
- Optical-grade silicones
- UV-stabilized polymers
- Specialty low-fluorescence epoxies
Test Method:
UV excitation with a photodetector or a hyperspectral camera to analyze emitted background
Mitigation:
- Choose resins designed for low autofluorescence
- Minimize post-curing thermal oxidation (can increase fluorescence over time)
- Spec Expectation: Often qualitative or comparative unless part of fluorescence imaging application stack.