Emission wavelength dependence of fluorescence lifetimes of bacteriological spores and pollens

Concern about biological terrorism has greatly increased in the 21st century, and correspondingly, so has the need for accurate detection and identification of biological hazards, such as Bacillus anthracis. Optical techniques have been shown to be useful for this purpose. Use of fluorescence lifetimes as a function of emission wavelength for different materials using point- detection methods appears to be an additional viable option. Although the lifetimes range only between 2 and 6 ns, most biological materials tested in this study were distinguishable. A preliminary database has been compiled for use in a possible future detection system.