Fluorescence microscopy, discussed is an important tool in modern cell biology. A variation on this technique depends on a phenomenon known as two-photon excitation. If two photons are absorbed simultaneously (i.e., within about 10-16 s), their energies can add. A molecule that is normallyexcited by a 350 nm photon can be excited by two photons each having half as much energy. For this process to be useful, photons must illuminate the sample at the very high rate of at least 1029 photons/m2 ⋅ s. This is achieved by focusing a laser beam to a small spot and by concentrating the power of the laser into very short (10-13 s) pulses that are fired 108 timeseach second. Suppose a biologist wants to use two-photon excitationto excite a molecular species that would be excited by 500 nm light in normal one-photon fluorescence microscopy. What minimum intensity (W/m2) must the laser beam have during each pulse?

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Chapter6: Photons And Matter Waves
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Problem 56P: A 900-W microwave generator in an oven generates energy quanta of frequency 2560 MHz. (a) How many...
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Fluorescence microscopy, discussed is an important tool in modern cell biology. A variation on this technique depends on a phenomenon known as two-photon excitation. If two photons are absorbed simultaneously (i.e., within about 10-16 s), their energies can add. A molecule that is normally
excited by a 350 nm photon can be excited by two photons each having half as much energy. For this process to be useful, photons must illuminate the sample at the very high rate of at least 1029 photons/m2 ⋅ s. This is achieved by focusing a laser beam to a small spot and by concentrating the power of the laser into very short (10-13 s) pulses that are fired 108 times
each second. Suppose a biologist wants to use two-photon excitation
to excite a molecular species that would be excited by 500 nm light in normal one-photon fluorescence microscopy. What minimum intensity (W/m2) must the laser beam have during each pulse?

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