Using Figure of Merit

Figure of Merit - a unique new tool combined with Curv-o-Matic that calculates the relative value of a single filter set and its effectiveness with a light source and a single fluorophore and captures the spectral absorption and emission probability curves.

The "Figure of Merit" is determined by integrating the area of the dye's probability curves, the transmission and reflection regions of the filters and dichroic mirror, and the excitation light source.

It is represented mathematically as:

EX(eff.) * EM(eff.)= Set (eff)

Where:

EX(eff.)= ∫1100nm / 300nm (light source input(λ)) * (Dichroic mirror reflectance (λ) * (excitation filter transmission (λ)) * (dye absorption curve (λ)) * dλ

EM(eff.)= ∫1100nm / 300nm (dichroic mirror transmission (λ)) * (emission filter transmission (λ)) * (dye emission curve (λ))* dλ

All values normalized to a scale of 0-100 units for comparison.

When considering the merit of two or more filter sets independently, against the same fluorophore, the set with higher value will offer a greater ability to capture the fluorescence signal. This is a single benchmark by which to gauge if your filter set selection is best for a given application. Factors such as detector sensitivity at a given wavelength, the presence of other fluorophores, slight shifts in the absorption or emission peaks of the fluorophore, and the sample background all contribute to the overall system efficiency and are not considered here.

Instructions for use:

Select one filter set
Select one fluorophore
Select one light source (the selection of a light source is not required but is recommended for best results)
Click "calculate" to obtain the filter set's relative figure of merit