The chlorophyll fluoroscope, a device to observe the in vivo emission of chlorophyll fluorescence for teaching and demonstration purposes

In vivo chlorophyll fluorescence has long been known to be intimately related to photosynthesis, being the basis of widespread and sophisticated instrumentation. Although easily observed in plant extracts or using epifluorescence or confocal microscopes, chlorophyll fluorescence is seldom observed in macroscopic samples, such as plant leaves of macroalgae thalli. This work presents a 'chlorophyll fluoroscope', a device that allows the direct observation of the fluorescence emitted in vivo by large samples. The chlorophyll fluoroscope is easy to construct and operate, comprising inexpensive 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelve components. It is primarily intended for use in teaching and science demonstration events while having the potential to interest those who are aware of chlorophyll fluorescence yet often have never observed the phenomenon.