Search the CONFOCAL archive at
http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

The word multiplexing probably arose in electrical/computer engineering, and probably has 
roots in the words "multiple" and "plexus". In these fields, the term multiplexing 
is used for any mechanism by which a sinfgle device is shared by multiple "channels" of 
communication. BTW, the word "channel" is also used in fluorescence microscopy - there may
be a similar connection there.

Cheers,


Badri Roysam
Professor, Department of Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering
Associate Director, NSF Center for Subsurface Sensing & Imaging Systems (CenSSIS ERC)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street, Troy, New York 12180-3590.
Office(JEC 7010): 518-276-8067, Lab(JEC 6308): 518-276-8207, Fax: 518-276-8715
Email: [log in to unmask], Web: http://www.ecse.rpi.edu/~roysam



----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert J. Palmer Jr." [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: multiplex


> Search the CONFOCAL archive at
> http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
> > In my lab we are having a friendly discussion on the derivation and 
> use of the term "multiplex".  What does this term mean and under what 
> conditions is its use appropriate?  For example, does the use of 
> FITC/TRITC/Cy5 qualify as a "multiplex" application?  If so, I would 
> counter that this used to be called, appropriately, "multicolor" so I 
> am not sure why replacement of that previously valid descriptor with 
> the vague (?) term "multiplex" is desirable.  How about the use of 
> several flavors of quantum dots?  This application seems to garner 
> the modifier "multiplex" on a frequent basis.  When and how is this 
> different than "multicolor"?
> Thanks for the scientific lingo lesson :) :)!
> Rob Palmer
> -- 
> Robert J. Palmer Jr., Ph.D.
> Natl Inst Dental Craniofacial Res - Natl Insts Health
> Oral Infection and Immunity Branch
> Bldg 30, Room 310
> 30 Convent Drive
> Bethesda MD 20892
> ph 301-594-0025
> fax 301-402-0396
>