Much of the early work in fluorescence had to be done without the aid of a microscope. True fluorescence microscopy was not possible until some advances were made. However the image was inferior due to the corrected monochromatic lenses. 1911-13, Kemstadt and Lehmann build the first fully functional fluorescence microscope. Below are some images of pollen grains.
Pollen is autofluorescent under several wavelengths of light.
L.M. Level Besides the less specific method of autofluorescent material, fluorescence labels are used to stain tissue, cell and subcellular material. These stains are called fluorochromes or fluorophores. Similar to light stains, fluorochromes attach themselves to organic matter. When they are excited by specific irradiating light the fluorochrome emits a light of greater intensity. This can be a great tool for the microscopist.