Time domain measuring system of molecular fluorescence with real-time monitor and control of pulsed dye laser

Abstract

A computer controlled system is presented for a high-precision, time-domain measurement of molecular fluorescence induced by a pulsed dye laser field. In this system three intelligent functions are assembled by the system controller: they are an automatic wavelength control of pulsed dye laser to 0.45 GHz resolution, a digital wavelength meter of 10⁻⁷ precision, and a high-speed waveform digitizer with 10 ps inherent resolution. Then the system achieves a unique capability such as to record real-time data of fluorescence decay in the nanosecond regime under an on-line monitor and control of the laser wavelength to milliangstrom precision. The basic constitution and practical performance of the system are described with particular emphasis on its high precision and multi-task capability.