A Subnanosecond Time-Resolved Fluorescence Lifetime Spectrometer Applying Laser Diodes

Summary.

 Since the first application of laser diodes (LD) for the determination of fluorescence lifetimes in our group in 1995, great technical improvements have been made to increase the time resolution of the apparatus. Using the phase fluorometric method, measurements down to 100 ps are now possible. Values can be measured in steps of 10 ps with good reproducibility using a high-frequency signal generator and a GHz digital storage oscilloscope. No additional optical equipment is necessary for this new method. Following an easy calibration procedure, results are available within one minute without any adjustments. The components of the new apparatus including light source, sample chamber for standard fluorescence cuvettes, and detection unit are situated in a 12 × 13 × 9 cm setup. The apparatus was tested with different fluorophores, and the results correlate very well with known values in the range of 0.1 to 1000 ns.