LF 401 Lambda Fluorescence Spectrometer

Compact Fibre-optic Fluorescence Spectrometer with Nanosecond Time-resolution

Overview   |   Principles of Operation   |   Technical Specifications   |   Applications

Principle of operation:

LF401 Lambda is a fluorescence spectrometer that was designed to measure fluorescence spectra and decay curves. Using a fibre-optic probe, any sort of sample can be investigated in its natural environment.

The instrument combines new laser and fibre-optic technologies with highly sensitive detection electronics. All components (laser system, fluorescence detection and data preprocessing) have been incorporated in one compact instrument.

LF401 Lambda is equipped with a pulsed laser to excite sample fluorescence. A unique combiniation of the pump laser with a dye laser provides variable excitation wavelengths. Within seconds the excitation wavelength may be varied by replacing a laser module.

The core of the emission monochromator is an acousto-optical tuneable filter (AOTF), that is characterised by a high degree of transmission and switching times of few microseconds. Especially in online measurements this fast wavelength switching is the basis for an essentially simultaneous detection of fluorescence signals at various emission wavelengths.

A variety of fibre-optic probes are available to investigate miscellaneous samples: from smallest volumes in the nanolitre scale over closed sample compartments to large surfaces. Short-pulse laser radiation enables the determination of fluorescence lifetimes in the nanosecond range. Following to the measurement of a decay curve with down to 100 picoseconds temporal resolution a built-in curve analysis function calculates up to three lifetimes. Acccording to sample composition, lifetimes between 1 ns and 25 ns can be analysed.

An important and user-friendly feature is that the instrument is not susceptible to environmental or sun light. Therefore all samples may be measured in their natural environment.