| | Calculation | |  |
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| Fluctuations carry the Information | How does FCS work?
Measurement
Calculation
Evaluation
Result |
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 | The measured signal can be described as constant mean intensity < I > and a fluctuating contribution δI (t).
These fluctuations δI (t) carry the information we are interested in. |  |
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 | Calculating Correlation Function |  |  |
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 | Calculating the autocorrelation function reveals similar features over time of the fluctuating signal.
Similarities derive from common features of the detected molecules like number of molecules, diffusion times and triplet fraction. |  |  |
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 | Auto Correlation Function |  |  |
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Definition of auto correlation function
alternative spelling |  |  |
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Using intensity I written as mean intensity < I > plus fluctuations δI (t)
Results in alternative form of auto correlation function |  |  |
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Normalizing auto correlation function
Results in form used normally. The information about the system is contained in δI (t). |  |  |
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