Fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (or Förster resonance energy transfer) describes an energy transfer mechanism between two fluorescent molecules.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A fluorescent donor is excited at its specific fluorescence excitation wavelength. By a long-range dipole-dipole coupling mechanism, this excited state is then nonradiatively transferred to a second molecule, the acceptor. The donor returns to the electronic ground state. The described energy transfer mechanism is termed "Förster resonance energy transfer" (FRET), named after the German scientist Theodor Förster. When both molecules are fluorescent, the term "fluorescence resonance energy transfer" is often used, although the energy is not actually transferred by fluorescence.

Related Topics:
Fluorescent - Dipole - Theodor Förster

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~