Backward-enhanced fluorescence from clusters of microspheres and particles of tryptophan

Appl Opt. 2002 May 20;41(15):2994-9. doi: 10.1364/ao.41.002994.

Abstract

Measured fluorescence from single-particle clusters of dye-doped polystyrene microspheres, dried nonspherical particles of tryptophan, and single polystyrene microspheres is enhanced in the backward direction (180 degrees from the incident laser). This enhancement (a factor of 2-3 compared to 90 degrees), which can be interpreted as a consequence of the reciprocity principle, increases with the particle refractive index.