Final answer:
Recent advancements in fluorescent materials include the development of nano-crystals and quantum dots, which offer improved brightness and stability for lighting and long-term cell studies. Traditional fluorescent technology is used in a variety of applications, from lighting to electron microscopy. Mercury usage in older technologies poses environmental risks, despite energy efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nano-Crystals and Fluorescence in Lighting and Imaging Technologies
Recent advancements in lighting and imaging technology have seen the emergence of nano-crystals, including quantum dots, as a novel class of fluorescent materials. These nano-crystals, which are single-crystal molecules less than 100 nm in size and as small as 2-6 nm for the tiniest quantum dots, significantly improve brightness compared to traditional methods. Notably, they can excite all colors with the same incident wavelength, making them very versatile. These properties have established them as excellent tools for long-term cellular studies involving migration and morphology.
Traditional fluorescent screens and cameras, used in instruments like transmission electron microscopes (TEMs), rely on a fluorescent layer to emit visible light when excited. Similarly, in the xerography process, which is foundational to modern photocopying, a conducting aluminum drum coated with selenium plays a crucial role. The selenium layer becomes conductive when exposed to light, allowing charges to be neutralized and the image to be copied onto the drum.
These fluorescent technologies, from lighting to electron microscopes, provide us with energy-efficient options and powerful tools for scientific exploration. However, it is vital to acknowledge that some traditional fluorescent materials contain mercury, presenting environmental concerns despite their energy-saving qualities.