What Is Your Photon Worth? How To Select Optimal Optical Filters

Fluorescence-based assays rely on detecting photons to provide meaningful data, but not all photons are equal. Some, deemed “good” photons, carry essential assay information, while “bad” photons introduce noise, background, or other interferences that can compromise results. While robust assays can tolerate some level of interference, highly sensitive or complex assays require a much higher ratio of “good” to “bad” photons to ensure accuracy and reliability.

In this webinar, Michael Delay, Ph.D., demonstrates a practical approach to evaluating photon utility in fluorescence-based optical systems. Using SearchLight™, a modeling tool designed for analyzing photon flow, attendees learn how to assign a “worth” to photons based on their criticality for assay success. Through real-world examples in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, the webinar explores how different filter sets affect photon selection, revealing which options provide the best combination of performance and cost-efficiency.

Attendees gain actionable insights on conducting cost-benefit analyses to optimize filter choices, balancing price, noise reduction, and crosstalk minimization. The session emphasizes practical decision-making strategies to achieve desired performance while managing budget constraints.

Michael Delay brings expertise in experimental particle physics and optical methods in biophysics, with experience developing innovative optical tools for cell biology research. His insights bridge physics, optics, and biological applications, helping researchers and engineers enhance fluorescence assay performance through informed system design and filter selection.