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Free interactive microscopy tool

Fluorescence microscopy reference

Fluorochrome & Filter Cube Finder

Search 175 fluorochrome entries from your supplied list, view their listed cube codes, and compare wavelength and manufacturer-specific details where these have been verified.

175 reference entriesVerified spectra where availableLED wavelength matching

Find a fluorochrome and filter cube

Choose any name from the supplied reference to see its cube code or codes. Verified microscope and filter-set examples include excitation, dichroic, emission and LED details. Select any filter in the diagram for a plain-English explanation.

Choose from the complete name list in your supplied reference.
Filter stack for the selected cube
Excitation filterChoose a cube
Dichroic mirrorChoose a cube
Suppression / emissionChoose a cube
Choose a fluorochrome.
—Choose a cube.
Choose a fluorochrome to see its listed cube code(s).

Inside a fluorescence filter cube

Microscope fluorescence filter cube diagramA three-dimensional metal microscope filter cube, opened schematically to show the blue excitation filter, gold dichroic mirror and magenta suppression filter. Excitation travels in from the lamp, reflects down through the objective to the specimen, and fluorescence returns up to the detector. FILTER CUBE · SELECT A MODEL Lamp / LED EXCITATION — DICHROIC — SUPPRESSION — Detector / eyepiece Objective Specimen
Excitation filter: passes the selected illumination band toward the specimen.
Excitation pathDichroic mirrorFluorescence path

Selected label

Excitation peakEmission peakExcitation filter passbandEmission filter passband
Fluorochrome peak—
Excitation filter—
Dichroic mirror—
Suppression / emission—
Emission peak—
Fluorochrome or fluorophore? In microscopy, these names cover fluorescent stains, dye labels attached to antibodies or proteins, and fluorescent reporter proteins such as GFP. The dye usually needs a target or carrier to mark a sample.
Reading the peaks
Excitation is the light that drives fluorescence; emission is the light detected. The chart markers show peak positions only, not the full spectral band.
17 labelsTypical maxima vary with dye form, binding, solvent, pH and instrument filters.
Choosing labels and filter sets
  • Use the exact dye or conjugate datasheet for final settings. Peaks can shift when a dye binds DNA, is conjugated to a protein, or is used in a different medium.
  • Match the excitation source and excitation filter to the fluorophore’s absorption/excitation band, then use an emission filter that passes its fluorescence while rejecting excitation light.
  • For multicolour imaging, check the full excitation and emission spectra for overlap and bleed-through; peak wavelengths alone do not establish channel compatibility.
  • Some stains depend on sample condition. Propidium iodide and 7-AAD are commonly used to label nucleic acids in membrane-compromised cells; Rhodamine 123 accumulation depends on active mitochondria and membrane potential.
Manufacturer references

Peak values and typical uses in this guide are compiled from manufacturer handbooks, product guides and instructions. Follow the linked product documentation for the specific reagent you use.