It looks like you are using an unsupported browser. You can still place orders by emailing us on info@ossila.com, but you may experience issues browsing our website. Please consider upgrading to a modern browser for better security and an improved browsing experience.

Measuring Fluorescence with the Ossila Spectrofluorometer

Fluorescence measurements with the Ossila Spectrofluorometer

The Ossila Spectrofluorometer measures the fluorescence emission spectra of materials with high sensitivity and precision. The spectrofluorometer can take both excitation and emission measurements with the free Spectrophotometry software.

Emission measurements probe variations in fluorescence intensity (I_F) at various fluorescence wavelengths (λ_F). In this measurement, the excitation wavelength (λ_E) is fixed while λ_F was varied. This measurement shows the wavelengths where fluorescence is emitted most strongly.
Excitation measurements track variations in I_F. The emission wavelength (λ_F) is fixed while the excitation wavelength is varied. This will show the wavelengths where fluorescence is stimulated most strongly.

Captions

Emission Measurements

Place your sample in the holder and ensure it’s set up in the correct orientation for fluorescence.
For fluorescence emission measurements, you can define start wavelength, finish wavelength and wavelength step.
You also need to choose the excitation source: either the UV light source or the tunable broadband light source at a specific wavelength.
Your sample is illuminated with the chosen excitation source, and the emission is measured across the set wavelength range.

Excitation Measurements

For excitation spectra, define the emission wavelength, along with the start, end and step wavelength.
For excitation measurements, the sample is exposed to a range of wavelengths from the tunable light source.
The intensity of emitted light is measured at the chosen emission wavelength and recorded as a function of excitation wavelength.

Tips to Optimize Measurements

If measuring thin films, play with the angle of your sample to maximize fluorescence signal.
Insert filters as a secondary measure of reducing any stray light from excitation signal.
To improve signal-to-noise ratio, you can increase averaging of your measurement. To increase signal intensity, you can use the accumulation feature. Both should improve your measurement sensitivity and signal intensity, but will significantly increase measurement time.
For emission measurements, you can choose between exciting your sample with the UV-light source, or choosing a wavelength from the broadband light source. If using the tunable light source, the excitation signal will be lower intensity.