Berthold Technologies is considered a worldwide leader in luminescence measuring technology and has provided thousands of luminometers for research and diagnostics.

The understanding of Berthold Technologies is to improve sensitivity leading to instruments which can

detect and identify

better and better. Today instruments are available as tube, microplate luminometers or imaging instruments.

		Microplate Luminometers

		Tube Luminometers

		Luminescence Imaging

		Download of Overview Bioluminescence

The definition of luminescence
is the emission of light by a substance caused by physical or chemical means. There are several ways to cause luminescence:

• Photoluminescence - caused by a beam of photons (light), see also fluorescence.
  
  
• Cathodoluminescence - excited by an electron beam (as opposed to a beam of photons).
  
  
• Thermoluminescence - stimulated by the application of heat, to temperatures below those that result in incandescence.
  
  
• Chemiluminescence - chemical energy resulting from a chemical reaction.
  
  
• Bioluminescence – a biochemical enzyme-driven reaction with a light producing step.
  
  
• Triboluminescence - triggered by mechanical energy from a mechanical action such as friction

Resolves such an excited electronic state due to chemical reaction this we term chemiluminescence, or in living organisms, bioluminescence. The most familiar terrestrial example of this "cold light" takes place in the common firefly. In the firefly, an enzyme called luciferase triggers a reaction that produces energy emitted as light-flashing from the insect's lower abdomen. Bioluminescence is also found in some fungi and earthworms. It is most common, however, in the oceans, where many organisms, from fish to worms living at great depths, have glowing organs.