🚀 go-pugleaf

Hello,

I am having a difficult time finding information on fluorescence
intensities.  I have found a few threads in this group that were
vaguely helpful, but I still haven't been able to find exactly what I
need.  I am wondering if someone can help me.

Basically, let's say you are developing a new sensor, one which can
function like PMTs, CCDs, and other photosensors.  I would like to know
if this photosensor will be sensitive enough to work for biological
experiments using fluorescence detection.  How can I get a ball park
figure (orders of magnitude) for how sensitive my sensor must be?
Obviously the intensities will depend greatly on geometry of the sensor
to emitter, optics, concentration of fluorescent molecules, type of
molecule, etc...but let's say we make assumptions for those
variables...shouldn't I be able to get a real world number in terms of
power/area?

Looking on data sheet of fluorescent labels (from Molecular Probes for
instance) gives "relatvie" intensities, which make sense to me since it
completely depends on what type of instrument you are using to take the
measurement, what type of experiment you are conducting, etc.  But this
makes it really hard to get a real world number to ball park the
sensitivty of a photosensor required to accomplish this task.

Maybe it is better to ask if people know the intensities output by
their fluorescent labels for "typical" fluorescence experiments?
Really, I am just trying to figure out if my photosensor idea is
feasible for fluorescence experiments.  Sorry if my question seems a
bit sophomoric, but I have not done any fluorescence work in the past.
I am an electrical engineering student with  a photosensor idea.

Any leads or information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much!