In spite of their relatively low fluorescence quantum yield, Cyanine dyes such as Cyanine3 (Cy3), Cyanine5 (Cy5), or Cyanine7 (Cy7) are widely used in fluorescence-based applications due to their high extinction coefficients and excellent photon yields.
The known quantum yields for Cyanine dyes are available in the table below:
| Name | MW | Quantum yield |
| Cy2 | 714 | 0.12 |
| Cy3 | 767 | 0.15 |
| Cy3.5 | 1102 | 0.15 |
| Cy5 | 792 | 0.27 |
| Cy5.5 | 1128 | 0.28 |
| Cy7 | 818 | 0.28 |