Applications of a hybrid photodetector (HPD) to biological fluorescence microscopes and wide-field fluorescence detection of mobile single biomolecules with high temporal resolution using an HPD

Abstract

Fluorescence microscopy is indispensable to life science research because it allows us to image live biomolecules in real time. In particular, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy is useful. It uncovers the dynamic features of individual biomolecules such as movement and structural change. In this paper, we introduce the hybrid photodetector (HPD), a low light detector with a light-receiving surface, high temporal resolution, and high sensitivity. Then, we compare the HPD with other low light detectors and briefly explain how the HPD is applied to biological fluorescence microscopes. Finally, we present wide-field fluorescence detection of mobile single biomolecules with high temporal resolution using an HPD.