This volume focuses on Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) a powerful tool allowing
luminescence lifetime measurements to be made with high temporal resolution even on single
molecules. Combining spectrum and lifetime provides a fingerprint for identifying such
molecules in the presence of a background. Used together with confocal detection this permits
single-molecule spectroscopy and microscopy in addition to ensemble measurements opening up an
enormous range of hot life science applications such as fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM)
and measurement of Förster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) for the investigation of protein
folding and interaction. Several technology-related chapters present both the basics and
current state-of-the-art in particular of TCSPC electronics photon detectors and lasers. The
remaining chapters cover a broad range of applications and methodologies for experiments and
data analysis including the life sciences defect centers in diamonds super-resolution
microscopy and optical tomography. The chapters detailing new options arising from the
combination of classic TCSPC and fluorescence lifetime with methods based on intensity
fluctuation represent a particularly unique highlight.
