FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer

Fluoracle® software package – easily accessible user interface and updated features
Higher Resolution – 325 mm focal length monochromators provide superb accuracy and excellent stray light rejection with minimum step size
Faster measurements – increased scan speeds and leading performance
Increased automation – ease of use for even the most complex configurations
NEW MicroPL Upgrade allows spectral and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements of samples in the microscopic scale
Live video demonstration – contact us to arrange an online demonstration. We can accept your samples and talk you through the process as we run test measurements.

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Product Description

The FLS1000 Spectrometer sets the standard in both steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy for both fundamental research and routine laboratory applications.

The system is a modular fluorescence and phosphorescence spectrometer for measuring spectra from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared spectral range (up to 5,500 nm), and lifetimes spanning from picoseconds to seconds. All of this can be achieved through various upgrade routes, either at the time of order or in the future.

Whether you are studying photophysics, photochemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, material or life sciences, the FLS1000 will enable you to reliably and accurately measure luminescence spectra and kinetics using state-of-the-art sources, detectors, acquisition techniques, quality optics and precision mechanics. The large sample chamber will house practically any type of sample accessory.

High sensitivity is a prerequisite for measurements of low sample concentrations, small sample volumes or low sample quantum yields. The instrument’s guaranteed sensitivity of >35,000:1 for the standard water Raman measurement using the SQRT method is unmatched in the industry.

The FLS1000 has a USB interface and all modes of operation are controlled by ONE data acquisition module and ONE all-inclusive Fluoracle software package for data acquisition and analysis. Light source, detector, grating, slits, polarisers are all computer-controlled for accurate and precise measurements.

Excitation Sources

The FLS1000 comes standard with a 450 W ozone free xenon arc lamp that covers a range of 230 nm to >1000 nm for steady state measurements. A variety of other sources can be integrated including microsecond flashlamps, nanosecond flashlamp, pulsed diode lasers (EPL Series, HPL Series, VPL Series), pulsed light emitting diodes (EPLED Series, VPLED Series), supercontinuum lasers, Ti:sapphire lasers, Q-switched solid state lasers and OPOs, dye lasers, and infrared CW and pulsed lasers for upconversion measurements.

Monochromators

Single and double grating Czerny-Turner monochromators are available in the FLS1000 with 325 mm (or 2 x 325 mm) focal length, high optical throughput, excellent stray light rejection and low temporal dispersion. The monochromators feature ‘plug-and-play’ triple grating turrets with up to three gratings on each turret and computer-controlled slits.

Detectors

A full range of detector options are available to enhance the range of spectral coverage and/or to reduce the instrumental response width for lifetime measurements. The instrument comes standard with a PMT-900 detector in a cooled housing which covers a range from 185 nm – 900 nm. In TCSPC mode the instrumental response width is approximately 600 ps. Optional detectors include: high speed PMTs in a cooled housing with instrument response <200 ps, MCP-PMT in cooled housings with a response <25 ps, NIR-PMTs to cover spectral ranges out to 1700 nm with photon counting sensitivity and speed, InGaAs detectors with spectral coverage up to ~1.65 μm, 2.05 um and 2.55 μm, InAs and InSb detectors to cover up to 5.50 μm.

Sample Holders

At the heart of the FLS1000 is an exceptionally large sample chamber that allows access to the sample from all sides, top and bottom. This ensures compatibility and simplifies access to a variety of sample holders.

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy Research

We have a variety of research articles on photoluminescence spectroscopy which you can view on our website.

Enquiries FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer

For further information, or to find out how the FLS1000 can help you with your photoluminescence spectroscopy work, simply contact a member of our sales team at sales@edinst.com.

Edinburgh Instruments: Photoluminescence spectroscopy solutions for photophysics, photochemistry, material sciences and life sciences.

Technical Specifications

Specifications	Spectral	Phosphorescence Lifetime	Fluorescence Lifetime
Mode of Operation	Single Photon Counting	Time-Resolved Single Photon Counting (Multi Channel Scaling – MCS)	Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC)
Lifetime range	Milliseconds to hours	10 ns – 50 s *	5 ps – 10 µs *
Sensitivity	>35,000:1 **	n/a	n/a
Excitation Sources
Type	450 W ozone-free xenon arc lamp	Microsecond flashlamp	Picosecond pulsed diode lasers (EPLs, HPLs) and pulsed LEDs (EPLEDs)
Spectral Range	230 nm- > 1000 nm	200 nm – >1000 nm	Discrete wavelengths between 250 nm – 980 nm
Pulse width	n/a	1 µs – 2 µs	from 60 ps
Options	Ozone generating lamp with spectral range 200 nm – >1000 nm	Low to medium repetition rate pulsed lasers. Variable pulse width VPL and VPLEDs	Nanosecond flashlamp 200 nm – >400 nm pulse width <1 ns
* source and detector dependent ** standard water Raman measurement conditions: Excitation wavelength = 350 nm, Excitation and emission bandwidths = 5 nm, step size = 1 nm, integration time = 1 s, emission wavelength = 397 nm, noise measured at 450 nm and calculation based on the SQRT method

Monochromator	Specifications
Type	Czerny-Turner with ‘plug and play’ triple grating turret
Focal Length	325 mm (double monochromators: 2 x 325 mm)
Stray Light Rejection	1:10-5 (single), 1:10-10 (double)
Gratings	Mounted to triple grating turret
Accuracy	+/- 0.2 nm *
Minimum Step Size	0.01 nm *
Option	Spectrographs available for operations of CCDs and diode array detectors
* grating dependent

Detectors	PMT-900	PMT-1010	PMT- 1400/1700	HS-PMT	MCP-PMT	HS-HPD
Spectral Range	<200 nm - 870 nm	<200 nm - 1010 nm	500 nm – 1700 nm	<230 nm - 850 nm	<200 nm - 850 nm	220 nm – 870 nm
Dark Count Rate	<50 cps (-20 °C)	<200 cps (-20 °C)	<20 kcps or <200 kps	<150 cps (0 °C)	<10 cps (-20 °C)	<200 cps (10 °C)
Reponse Width	600 ps	800 ps	400 ps or 800 ps	180 ps	<25 ps	20 ps
Options	A wide variety of other photomultipliers and analogue detectors are available up to 5,500 nm

Software

Fluoracle spectrometer operating software is at the heart of all our fluorescence spectrometers and is a fully comprehensive, user-friendly data analysis software package. Irrespective of system configurations, this software provides the user with complete control of the instrument and of most third-party accessories.

Fluoracle is Windows compatible and is based on a data centred design that enables the user to focus on their measurement. This guarantees ease-of-use in the operation of a modular and potentially complex spectrometer.

Measurement set-up and data acquisition is made through an intuitive menu system. Key spectroscopic parameters are easily accessed through functional groupings, while common measurement routines can be saved as method files to allow previous experiments to be easily repeated. Tabbed dialogue boxes and particular scan parameters are always visible during set-up. The current status of the instrument is also continuously displayed.

A unique feature of the Fluoracle is that all modes of data acquisition, including spectral scanning and lifetime acquisition in both MCS and TCSPC modes, are controlled from within one software package. Modern light sources, detectors, complex sample holders (plate reader, XY sample stages, titrator) and cooler options (thermostated sample holders and cryostats) are supported and fully software controlled. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) acquisition and analysis are included in Fluoracle with a MicroPL upgrade.

Fluoracle offers the “FAST” add on for the advanced analysis of fluorescence and phosphorescence decay kinetics.

Measurement Examples (Steady State)

Excitation and Emission Scans

Excitation and emission spectra are standard measurements in fluorescence spectroscopy. The figure demonstrates a measurement of a well documented standard test solution of anthracene in degassed cyclohexane.

Sample: Anthracene in cyclohexane (10^-5M). Measurement conditions: λex = 358 nm for emission scan, λem = 400 nm for corrected excitation scan, Δλex = Δλem = 0.4 nm, step size = 1 nm, integration time = 1 s.

Synchronous Scans

In synchronous scans, both excitation and emission monochromators are scanned synchronously with a pre-set offset. The figure demonstrates a sample of five different aromatic hydrocarbons dissolved in cyclohexane, measured with a conventional emission scan (red) and a synchronous scan with zero offset (green). The five hydrocarbons are resolved by the synchronous scan.

Sample: Five aromatic hydrocarbons dissolved in cyclohexane. Measurement conditions: λex = 280 nm for emission scan, Δλex = Δλem = 0.5 nm, step size = 0.5 nm, integration time = 1 s, offset = 0 nm.

Kinetic Scans

Kinetic scans reveal temporal changes of the sample fluorescence at fixed excitation and emission wavelengths. Luminescence emission in the milliseconds to seconds range, such as long phosphorescence, chemical reactions or chemical migration in cells, can be studied. As an example, using the FLS1000 in T-geometry for dual wavelength detection, simultaneous measurements of the Ca²⁺ active fluorophore Indo-1 can be made with both emission arms set to different wavelengths.

Sample: Human platelets cells loaded with Indo-1 in 1 mM Ca²⁺. Measurement conditions: λex = 340 nm, λem1 = 485 nm, λem2 = 410 nm, Δλex = Δλem = 1 nm, integration time = 0.5 s.

Excitation – Emission Maps (EEM)

The variety of measurement, display and analysis options allows easy and fast investigation of unknown luminescent samples or samples which contain different fluorophores. One method is to measure a series of emission scans within a selected range of excitation. The result is then demonstrated either in a 3D plot or in a contour plot.

Sample: Three organic dyes in solution: naphtalene, anthracene perylene. Measurement conditions: Xe1, PMT-900, 280 nm ≤ λex ≤ 460 nm, 310 nm ≤ λem ≤ 620 nm, Δλex = Δλem = 2 nm, integration time = 0.5 s, repeats per scan = 1.

Batch Measurements (Batch Mode)

Combinations of excitation, emission, synchronous scans, excitation-emission or synchronous maps can be run in Batch Measurements. This means that several scans can be set for a sample and measured automatically without the presence of the user. The scans can be set to repeat in loops as many times as required, with a fixed pre-set delay between each scan. The batch measurements (protocols) can be saved and loaded for future use.

Temperature Maps

The Fluoracle software can communicate with liquid nitrogen and liquid helium cryostats (along with TE controlled sample holders). Temperature maps can be made by acquiring a series of emission, excitation or synchronous scans for a predefined temperature range. The individual measurements are automatically started when the target temperatures are reached.

Sample: CuInSe₂(a material used for photovoltaic cells). Measurement conditions: Fluoracle-controlled Cryostat, Xe2, PMT-1700, λex = 694 nm, Δλex = 10 nm, Δλem = 5 nm, step size = 1 nm, integration time = 0.2 s. Temperature range: 6 K – 106 K, step 20 K.

Absolute Quantum Yield Measurements

The absolute method for fluorescence quantum yield measurements is becoming more widely used than the relative method, as it does not require a quantum yield standard. This is readily applicable to liquids, films and powders and can be extended into the near infrared spectral range.

The picture shows the independence of the fluorescence quantum yield from the wavelength of excitation for a standard organic dye. The graph shows the area of absorption for eight different excitation wavelengths on the left, while on the right it shows the corresponding emission spectra, scaled by a factor of 5. The inset shows the calculated quantum yields.

Sample: Quinine bisulphate in perchloric acid. Measurement conditions: integrating sphere, Δλex = 5.0 nm, Δλem = 0.5 nm, integration time = 0.3 s.

Singlet Oxygen Emission

The emission of singlet oxygen is known to be very weak and, historically, powerful laser excitation has been used to monitor this. However, both excitation and emission spectra of singlet oxygen can be measured using the FLS1000 with a broadband xenon lamp. The figure demonstrates a measurement of singlet oxygen luminescence generated from erythrosine B in ethanol detected by NIR-PMT (green), and InGaAs (blue) detectors.

Sample: Singlet oxygen generated from erythrosine B in ethanol

Photoluminescence of Lathanides

The electronic configuration of lanthanides enables a wide variety of Stokes and anti-Stokes transitions from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared. This makes them versatile materials that find widespread use in lasers, solar cells, bio-photonics and sensors. Their intra-4f transitions shielded by the external sub-shell are very sharp and narrow requiring high resolution instruments, as can be seen in the graph below for an erbium-ytterbium doped fluoride. Especially for non-linear processes such as upconversion, powerful lasers are fully integrated with the FLS1000.

Sample: YTa7O19: Er3+-Yb3+ powder phosphor

Other steady state measurement examples: Steady state fluorescence anisotropy, contour plots, water quality assessments, excimer equilibrium, reflection, absorption and quantum yield measurements of phosphor powders, chromaticity and much more.

Measurement Examples (Time-Resolved – TCSPC)

Single and Multiple Exponential Decays

Fluoracle provides analysis tools for standard decay tail fitting and numerical reconvolution. With numerical reconvolution, short lifetime components can be extracted from the raw decay data which would otherwise be distorted or masked by the instrumental profile.

The analysis routine provided is based on the Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm. Up to four exponential decay components can be fitted, with shift and offset fitting as standard. The algorithm is robust, delivers results in a blink of an eye, and is presented in a user-friendly interface.

Additional fit quality parameters are available for quality assessment, such as autocorrelation functions, the Durbin-Watson parameter and standard deviations.

The example shows two measurement results of the same homogeneous solution, taken at two different emission wavelengths. The decay at the shorter wavelength is clearly a single exponential, the decay at the longer wavelength is best characterised by three exponential components.

Sample: Hematoporphyrin IX in phosphate buffer (pH 7.2)

Measurement conditions: EPL 405, MCP-PMT, λex = 398 nm, Δλem = 1.0 nm, rep rate = 1 MHz, λem = 620 nm (left and right graph)

Data analysis: Multi-exponential reconvolution, confidence intervals verified by support plane analysis (FAST). τ1 = 15.02 ± 0.03 ns (left). τ2 = 14.80 ± 0.20 ns, τ2 = 4.62 ± 0.55 ns, τ3 = 0.81 ± 0.20 ns (right).

Time-Resolved Fluorescence Anisotropy

By exciting the sample with vertically polarised light and recording the emission in both the vertical and horizontal plane, one can calculate the fluorescence anisotropy of a homogeneous sample. The fluorescence anisotropy reveals the average rotational diffusion time of the molecules.

The measurement example shows that rotational diffusion in the picosecond time scale can be accurately measured. Most samples show rotational diffusion. To avoid this effect when precise fluorescence lifetime measurements are required, the emission polariser must be set to magic angle conditions, 54.7º (and vertically polarised excitation used).

Sample: POPOP in cyclohexane (left plot: IRF-black, decays with parallel-blue and crossed polariser-red), fluorescence anisotropy (right plot: raw data-green and fit-red). Measurement conditions: EPL 375, MCP-PMT, λex = 375 nm, Δλex = 2.0 nm, λem = 390 nm, Δλem = 2.0 nm.

Data analysis: Full anisotropy reconvolution (FAST ) with ellipsoidal rotor model. The rotation diffusion times are 110 ps, 150 ps and 620 ps respectively. A spherical rotor model results in a fit with significantly increased chi-square. POPOP is a rod like molecule.

Other TCSPC measurement examples: Time-resolved emission spectroscopy (TRES), monomer-excimer kinetics, solvent relaxation dynamics and much more.

Measurement Examples (Time-Resolved – MCS)

Time-Resolved Measurements of Lanthanides

The photoluminescence emission lifetime of lanthanides extends over a large time range from nanoseconds to seconds where the method of choice for time-resolved measurements is the MCS technique. Due to the high dynamic range and the accuracy resulting from counting statistics, complex decay analysis can be performed.

The pictures show time resolved measurements from a lanthanide doped glass sample at two different emission wavelengths. At the shorter wavelength the decay is best fitted with three exponential terms, while at the longer emission wavelength the initial rise is followed by a millisecond decay.

Sample: Rare-earthed doped glass

Measurement conditions: μF2, λex = 370 nm, Δλex = Δλem = 2.5 nm, rep rate 100 Hz, step size = 10 nm, spectra produced for every 50 μs (Top Left). μF2, λex = 370 nm, λem = 430 nm, Δλex = Δλem = 2.5 nm, rep rate 100 Hz, step size = 10 nm, measurement time = 2 min (Top Right). μF2, λex = 370 nm, λem = 612 nm, Δλex = Δλem = 1.7 nm, rep rate 20 Hz, measurement time = 8 min (Bottom Left).

Data Analysis: Multi-exponential reconvoltution. Good fit results were achieved with four exponential decay model (Top Right) and model comprising two exponential rise and one decay function (Bottom Left).

Other MCS measurement examples: Time-resolved singlet oxygen measurements, time-resolved FRET measurements and much more.

Upgrades

Configuration Upgrades

Double Monochromators

Our systems can be equipped with double monochromators on excitation and emission arms. Double monochromators are recommended for highly scattering, low emissive samples as they improve the systems stray light suppression and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. A double monochromator in the emission arm allows for up to three detectors mounted simultaneously with software-based selection; two detectors can be fitted after the double monochromator and one after the first of the two monochromators.

Geometries

If further detectors are required, the system can be configured in a T-geometry by the addition of a separate emission monochromator. This configuration can also be useful to provide a digital detection arm and an analogue detection arm.

Excitation Sources

Xenon Lamps

450 W continuous wavelength lamps for steady state measurements. The excitation range is typically 230 nm to >1700 nm. Ozone generating lamps may be used to increase the lower range to 180 nm.

Microsecond Flash Lamp

μF1 and μF2: 5 W or 60 W pulsed xenon microsecond flashlamps producing short microsecond pulses for phosphorescence decay measurements. The excitation range is typically 230 nm to 1000 nm.

Picosecond Pulsed Diode Lasers and LEDs

We manufacture a range of picosecond pulsed laser diodes (EPL Series, HPL Series) and pulsed LEDs (EPLED Series) for Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) measurements, as well as variable pulsed lasers and diodes (VPL Series, VPLED Series) for Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS). Diodes are available over the UV-VIS spectrum starting at 250 nm and are pre-set with a range of repetition frequencies, but can also be pulsed externally. The driver electronics are built into the light sources, eliminating the need for additional driver boxes and feature true “plug-and-play” usability.

Ultrafast Nanosecond Flash Lamp

nF980: ultrafast nanosecond flashlamp for time-resolved fluorescence studies with decays of 100 ps – 50 us. The excitation range is gas dependent.

Continuous Wave (CW) Lasers

Various continuous wave lasers for use with the FLS series and FS5 are available. Some CW laser sources may also be pulsed by the spectrometer to allow, for example, upconversion decays with 808 nm and 980 nm excitation to be measured.

Monochromator Options

Diffraction Gratings

The monochromators have triple grating turrets allowing up to three diffraction gratings to be permanently mounted within the monochromator. Standard gratings are generally chosen to cover the wavelength range of the detector. However, should you have more stringent requirements, such as requiring finer linear dispersion or an extended wavelength range, other diffraction gratings are available.

We can offer diffraction gratings with a groove density of 150 g/mm up to >1800 g/mm which allows us to cover the range 200 nm – 8000 nm.

Detector Options

Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs)

Single photon counting detectors comprise a single photon counting photomultiplier, together with an optimised dynode chain, mounted in a light tight cooled or un-cooled housing. The detectors include the coupling flange with the adaptive optics for direct compatibility with all of Edinburgh Instruments’ spectrometers.

The following PMTs are available: Standard PMTs up to 1010 nm, High speed PMTs up to 850 nm, MCP-PMT up to 850 nm, NIR-PMTs up to 1700 nm and gated PMTs.

Analogue Detectors

Analogue detectors are used either for high light level applications with the requirement for high dynamic range, or as alternative detectors in spectral ranges where photomultipliers are unavailable or too expensive. Depending on the required application, the analogue detectors come in a variety of housings with a variety of cooling options. Analogue detectors find application to extend the spectral coverage into the NIR to 5.5 µm.

We offer detector assemblies that are supplied with PIN diodes with an active area of 3 mm. For steady state fluorescence applications the diode is mounted in a two stage TE cooled housing with collection/focusing optics chopper and lock-in. For time-resolved fluorescence or time-resolved phosphorescence applications, the diode is supplied in a two stage TE-cooled housing and with a digitising oscilloscope for data collection and averaging. The spectrometer’s software automatically downloads the data to allow automated measurements such as TRES and for further analysis and fitting.

Fluorescence Lifetime Upgrades

TCSPC Electronics

The TCC2 is an electronics module with USB interface, which incorporates all the electronic modules required for Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) and Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS). This includes constant fraction discriminators, variable delays, time to amplitude converter and a large memory for multi-channel analysis.

– TSCPC time range: 2.5 ns – 50 ms full scale, MCS time range: 10 ms – 200 s full scale

– From 500 to 8,000 channels

– Time resolution from 305 fs/channel with ultra-low time jitter of 20 ps

For full technical specifications please contact us

Phosphorescence Lifetime Upgrades

Sample Holder Options

Liquids

Single Cuvette Holder: Temperature adjustable by water/coolant circulation, fitted with integrated probe for sample temperature monitoring by spectrometer operating software. Filter slots provided for holding 50 mm square filters. This sample holder is included as part of the standard system.

Magnetic Stirrer: Magnetic Stirrer to be fitted to single cuvette holder or 3-position sample turret. The stirrer comprises three stirrer bars and a stand-alone stirrer controller.

Powders, Thin-Films and Solids

Front-Face Sample Holders: A range of single position front-face sample holders are available for powders, thin-films and solids. These include linear staged holders, rotational holders and clamps. Please contact us for more information.

Multiple Position Holders

3-Position Sample Turret: Computer-controlled 3-Position Cuvette Holder on rotational stage. All three positions temperature adjustable by water/coolant circulation, with an integrated temperature probe for sample temperature monitoring by spectrometer operating software.

Temperature Control Options

Bath/Refrigerator (-10°C – +100°C): Closed cycle water/coolant bath to be used with water-cooled sample holders. The temperature range is -10°C to +100°C. The unit comprises digital display of set and measured temperature. The temperature range at the sample position can be reduced depending on the length and the insulation of the coolant pipes used.

EPR Dewar (77 K): Liquid nitrogen dewar (quartz) in mounting collar for FLS1000 sample chamber with light tight seal, directly compatible to the sample chamber access flange. The dewar housing has a removable lid and built-in filter holders. Two individual EPR quartz sample rods supplied. Sample rod, containing the sample, will be immersed into the liquid nitrogen bath thus cooling the sample to 77K.

Liquid Nitrogen Cryostat (77 K – 300 K): Oxford Instruments liquid nitrogen cryostat. The assembly comprises the cryostat head, the temperature controller, and a mounting flange and pedestal, directly compatible to the FLS1000 sample holder socket. Includes heater and sensor, cuvette holder, optical sample holder and sample rod. Spectrosil B quartz windows in L-geometry are used. Cryostat can be fully controlled by computer and Fluoracle.

Note: Special cryostat versions with windows arranged in T- or X-geometry are available on request.

Liquid Helium Cryostat (3.4 K – 300 K): Oxford Instruments liquid helium cryostat. The assembly comprises the cryostat head, the temperature controller, transfer tube and SV12 adaptor, VC31 gas flow controller, GF4 pump, and a mounting flange and pedestal that is directly compatible to the FLS1000 holder socket. Includes heater and sensor, cuvette holder, optical sample holder and sample rod. Spectrosil B quartz windows in L-geometry are used. Cryostat can be fully controlled by computer and Fluoracle.

Note: Special cryostat versions with windows arranged in T or X-geometry are available on request.

Liquid Helium Cryostat Extended Temperature Range (3.4 K – 500 K): Oxford Instruments extended temperature range liquid helium cryostat. The assembly comprises the cryostat head, the ITC503 temperature controller, the LLT600 transfer tube and SV12 adaptor, VC31 gas flow controller, GF4 pump, and a mounting flange and pedestal that is directly compatible to the FLS1000 holder socket. All other inclusions as the standard liquid helium cryostat.

Note: Special cryostat versions with windows arranged in T or X-geometry are available on request.

Closed Cycle Cryostat Options: (4 K – 300 K, 10 K – 325 K, 6 K – 800 K): Includes helium compressor and hoses, sample exchange time is approximately 2 hours. 1st and 2nd stage cooling down to 10 K. Mounting flange and pedestal that is directly compatible to the FLS1000 holder socket are included.

TE Cooled Sample Holder Standard Range (-10°C – +105°C): Thermoelectrically cooled 4-window cuvette holder with controller that enables stable temperature control of samples from -10°C to +105°C (-10°C with dry gas flow, 5°C without gas flow). The temperature can be held constant with ±0.02°C precision and can be rapidly changed. A magnetic stirrer (without stirrer bars) is included. The TE cooled sample holder is fully controlled by Fluoracle

TE Cooled Sample Holder Extended Range (-40°C – +150°C): Extended range thermoelectrically cooled 4-window cuvette holder with controller that enables stable temperature control of samples from -40 °C to +150 °C (-10 °C with dry gas flow, 5 °C without gas flow). The temperature can be held constant with ±0.02°C precision and can be rapidly changed. The temperature range can be extended below -10°C and above +150°C with a special cover in place and for temperatures below -10°C chilled coolant fluid will be required. A magnetic stirrer (without stirrer bars) is included. The TE cooled sample holder is fully controlled by the spectrometer Fluoracle.

Polarisation / Anisotropy

Standard Range (220 nm – 900 nm): Glan Thompson polarising prism. Spectral range 220 nm – 900 nm. The polariser can be automatically moved into or out of the beam. The position is recognised by the computer and the polarisation angle is fully computer-controlled. Automated anisotropy measurements are possible if both excitation and emission polarisers are present.

Extended Range (240 nm – 2300 nm): Glan Thompson polarising prism. Spectral range 240 nm – 2300 nm. The position is recognised by the computer. When in the beam, the polarisation angle is fully computer controlled. Automated anisotropy measurements are possible if both excitation and emission polarisers as above are present.

Integrating Sphere

The integrating sphere is a demountable accessory for the measurement of fluorescence quantum yields. It is 120 mm in diameter and has an inner surface coated with BenFlect to enable efficient scattering of light over a wide wavelength range. With the integrating sphere, the measurement of fluorescence quantum yields by an absolute method, as well as reflection measurements, are possible on solutions, film and powder samples. Holders for both direct and indirect excitation is provided. Two cuvettes and two powder trays are supplied as part of the sphere accessory. Options for electroluminescence and temperature dependent quantum yield measurements are also available.

Software Upgrade

MicroPL Upgrade

The MicroPL upgrade allows spectral and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements of samples in the microscopic scale. The FLS1000 is upgraded with a microscope so you can finely tune both the excitation light (illumination) and the detected emission, using widefield or point excitation. The microscope can be supplied as either an upright and inverted microscopes. Imaging cameras are available spanning the spectrum from the visible to the near-infrared, up to 1700 nm. Excitation can be provided by halogen lamps (wide field excitation), picosecond pulsed diode lasers (EPL Series, HPL Series) and pulsed LEDs (EPLED Series), supercontinuum sources and Nd:YAG lasers (lasers and semiconductor sources provide point source illumination). Steady state emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime measurements can be obtained from specific spots on your sample, when using appropriate lasers. Lasers can achieve a spot size of ~2 μm (objective dependent). The optional FLIM add-on includes a computer-controlled XYZ stage and unlocks special features in the Fluoracle software including advanced analysis options for maps, such as multi-component decay fitting algorithms.

Download the MicroPL Datasheet.

FLS1000 with Microscope

X-Ray Excited Luminescence

The XS1 is an external sample chamber housing X-ray sources (pulsed and/or CW) for time-resolved and steady-state X-Ray luminescence spectroscopy. The X-ray induced luminescence is collected by a liquid light guide which delivers the light to the FLS1000 spectrometer for detection.

Sample holders for cuvettes, slides and powders are included. The pulsed X-ray source must be optically excited with a picosecond or nanosecond laser (EPL or HPL series) to generate X-ray pulses which can be as fast as 150 ps (laser dependent), enabling the measurement of decays in the sub-nanosecond range

Vacuum Ultraviolet Photoluminescence

A Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) version of the FLS1000 is available in different configurations: VUV excitation, VUV excitation and emission, steady state VUV photoluminescence only, steady state and time-resolved VUV photoluminescence. Fluorescence decays between 100 ps and 50 µs can be acquired using Time Correlated Single Photon Counting.

The system features VUV monochromators under vacuum, a deuterium lamp for continuous excitation in the range of 115 nm – 400 nm, an optional pulsed VUV source providing sub-nanosecond excitation pulses, a vacuum chamber for the sample, VUV coated optics and vacuum ports to evacuate the system using turbomolecular pumps. The sample holder can accommodate solid samples in a front-face configuration. Systems with VUV emission feature a VUV PMT detector with a spectral range of 115 nm – 230 nm.

Other Upgrades

Multiwell Plate Reader

The multiwell plate reader is an external module that is attached to the FLS1000 to perform spectral or time-resolved measurements on multi-well plates. The multiwell plate reader module is coupled to the FLS1000 by means of a bifurcated optical fibre. The control of the module is fully automated from the Fluoracle, temperature near the well plate is recorded. Spectral range depends on spectrometer configuration and bifurcated fibre assembly. Up to 96 wells are available.

Titration Module

The titration accessory is based on a dual syringe Hamilton titrator (ML635) that is connected to the computer by RS232. The accessory comprise of two 1 ml syringes, connecting tubing, a flow cuvette and a light tight feed-through into the FLS1000 sample chamber. Titration is controlled through Fluoracle. Kinetic measurements with manual or automated titration steps and automated multiple spectral scanning are possible.

Stopped-Flow Accessory

Rapid kinetic accessory for multi-mixing capabilities. Comprises sample handling unit, fitted with three 1 ml drive syringes, 600 mm long umbilical, pneumatic drive system and square mixing/observation cuvette with standard dimensions (10 mm). Includes slotted sample chamber lid to allow the cuvette to be fitted to the spectrometer. Manual control.

Application Notes

FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer

You can find all of our Application Notes here.

Downloads

FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer Brochure FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer Datasheet FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer Applications Brochure TCC2 Lifetime Electronics Module Datasheet MicroPL Datasheet

Optional Information