Single molecule fluorescence involves the detection of light emitted by a fluorescent molecule when it is excited by a specific wavelength of light, typically from a laser. The emitted light is then collected and analyzed using sensitive detectors like photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) or charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Advanced optical techniques such as Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) and Confocal Microscopy are often employed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and achieve high spatial resolution.
