Enhancements
Phosphorescence Lifetimes (Q4)

For measurement of phosphorescence lifetimes adds high rep rate pulsed xenon source for excitation to the second entrance port of the excitation monochromator, one can then choose between excitation sources by means of a flipping mirror; adds gated PMT detector to second exit port of emission monochromator, one can then choose between detectors by internally mounted flipping mirror.
The most sensitivity for a fluorometer system can only be achieved by using a continuous illumination source. That is the reason why we use them in the majority of our fluorometers. If you want to measure phosphorescence or fluorescence lifetimes (greater than 500 nanoseconds), then you require a pulsed source—the Q-4A option. Since a pulsed source uses a different detector than a continuous source, you will also require a different detector. The pulsed illumination option provides you with both the source and the detector.
The PTI systems use special QuadraScopic™ monochromators that have two entrance and exit ports. The Q-4A option’s light source is therefore mounted to the excitation monochromator’s second entrance port and the detector to the emission monochromator’s second exit port. Your system with the Q-4A option will have two light sources on the excitation monochromator—the original source and the pulsed source. Similarly there will be two detectors located on the emission monochromator. One can select between the two light sources and the two detectors by simply switching a flipping mirror on the two monochromators. The flipping mirrors are included as part of this option.
Pulsed measurements allow you to use more of your FeliX32™ software package such as the ability to measure single or multiple exponential fluorescence and phosphorescence decays and much more.
Q4 Basic Specifications
Signal to noise ratio |
3,000:1 or better |
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Minimum measurable lifetime |
400 ns |
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Data acquisition rate |
From 2 points/sec to 100 points/sec |
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Bandwidth |
0 to 25 nm, continuously variable |
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Detection range |
185 to 680 nm with standard 1527 PMT (extended Near IR available) |
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High voltage range |
-200 to -1,000 VDC (software controlled) |
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Resolution |
0.5 nm |
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Accuracy |
+/- 0.5 nm |
Q4 Lamp Specifications
Lamp type |
Pulsed xenon source |
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Wavelength range |
From 200 to 2,000 nanometers |
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| Pulse repetition rate |
From 1 to 300 pulses per second |
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| Pulse width |
Approximately 2 microseconds |
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| Pulsed excitation correction |
PMT-based |
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Second Emission Channel (Q7)

The Q-7 type second emission channel option uses the same type of detector as the primary emission channel. Wavelength selection is by means of a scanning monochromator. Second channel quartz optics for the sample compartment is included.
The emission wavelength selection is by means of a QuadraScopic™ monochromator, which is autocalibrated, and under computer control for scanning and positioning. One can continuously adjust the spectral bandwidth from 0 to 25 nm by means of bilaterally adjustable slits.
The monochromator is designed for high throughput—60% at 300 nm, and low stray light of 10-5 two bandwidths from 365 nm Hg line. It has Czerny-Turner optical configuration, with F/4 aperture ratio and 200 mm focal length. Reciprocal linear dispersion with 1,200 l/mm grating is 4 nm/mm. Accuracy is +/- 1 nm, resolution 2.5 nm.
We have selected as standard a ruled 1,200 l/mm blazed at 400 nm. This grating is most suitable for the majority of measurements. Other gratings including holographic are also available. We have gratings to cover the entire wavelength range from 180 nm to 2,000 nm.
This option adds a second emission channel to systems using continuous xenon illumination; wavelength selection is by means of second computer controlled, autocalibrated, "QuadraScopic" monochromator; the detector used is a high sensitivity PMT detector that can operate in both analog and digital (photon counting) modes; there is additional optics for second emission channel and a lid activated shutter added to the sample compartment.
Q7 Basic Specifications
Signal to noise ratio |
3,000:1 or better |
|
Minimum measurable lifetime |
400 ns |
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Data acquisition rate |
From 2 points/sec to 100 points/sec |
|
Bandwidth |
0 to 25 nm, continuously variable |
|
Detection range |
185 to 680 nm with standard 1527 PMT (extended Near IR available) |
|
High voltage range |
-200 to -1,000 VDC (software controlled) |
|
Resolution |
0.5 nm |
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Accuracy |
+/- 0.5 nm |
Q7 Detector Specifications
Input |
+/- 15 VDC, 250 mA |
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High voltage |
-200 to -1,100 VDC manually adjustable (LCD display indicates actual cathode voltage) |
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| External high voltage adjust |
0 to +5 VDC (0 = -200 V, 5 = -1,100 V), continuously adjustable |
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| Input regulation |
+/- 0.05% max. (for 15 V +/- 1 V input) |
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| Load regulation |
+/- 0.05% max. |
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| Ripple |
100 mV p-p max. |
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| Temperature coefficient |
+/- 0.01% max. (+5 to +40 deg. C) |
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| Drift |
+/- 0.03%/hr max. (after 15 minute warm-up) |
Q7 PMT Specifications
Spectral response |
185 to 680 nm |
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Cathode sensitivity
Luminous
Radiant |
60 µA/lm
400 nm–60 mA/W |
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Anode sensitivity (at 1000 V)
Luminous
Radiant |
400 A/lm
400 nm–4.0 x 105 A/W |
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Low dark current |
0.1 nA |
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Low dark counts |
(R1527P) - 10 cps |
Q7 Lamp Specifications
Lamp type |
Pulsed xenon source |
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Wavelength range |
From 200 to 2,000 nanometers |
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| Pulse repetition rate |
From 1 to 300 pulses per second |
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| Pulse width |
Approximately 2 microseconds |
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| Pulsed excitation correction |
PMT-based |
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Fluorescence Microscopy (Q8a)

A unique feature of PTI's spectrofluorometer systems is that they can be adapted to be used with sample compartments as well as microscopes, the Q-8A option allows for the systems to be converted for fluorescence microscopy. The option couples the excitation source of an existing system by means of a two meter liquid light guide to the epi port or epi illuminator of a microscope (adaptors are required for specific scopes, but not included), the liquid light guide is coupled to the second exit port of the excitation monochromator, one can then select between sample compartment or microscope by flip of a mirror; for detection there is a complete photometer using high sensitivity PMT detection that can operate in both analog or digital (photon counting) mode, one can view and define the area to be detected; the photometer couples to the C-mount of the microscope (C port and adaptor for microscope required but not included).
Q8a Photometer Specifications
Model |
D-104B (single channel) |
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Slit |
Bilaterally adjustable/translatable iris |
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Eyepiece |
Parfocal viewing |
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Filter holder |
1-inch (filter not included) |
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Ports |
Second detection channel port |
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| Flipping mirror |
View/measure |
Q8a PMT Specifications
Spectral response |
185 to 680 nm |
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Cathode sensitivity
Luminous
Radiant |
60 µA/lm
400 nm–60 mA/W |
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Anode sensitivity (at 1000 V)
Luminous
Radiant |
400 A/lm
400 nm–4.0 x 105 A/W |
|
Low dark current |
0.1 nA |
|
Low dark counts |
(R1527P) - 10 cps |
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Fluorescence Microscopy Option (Q9)

A unique feature of PTI's spectrofluorometer systems is that they can be adapted to be used with sample compartments as well as microscopes, the Q-9 option allows for the systems to be converted for fluorescence microscopy. The option couples the excitation source of an existing system by means of a two meter liquid light guide to the epi port or epi illuminator of a microscope (adaptors are required for specific scopes, but not included), the liquid light guide is coupled to the second exit port of the excitation monochromator, one can then select between sample compartment or microscope by flip of a mirror; for detection a two meter liquid light guide mounted to the C-adapter of a microscope (C mount and adaptor for microscope required but not included) transmits the emission signal to the second entrance port of the emission monochromator of the system; one can select by means of a flipping mirror on the emission monochromator for detection between sample compartment and microscope.
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Fluorescence Lifetime Option (Q11a)

The Q-11 fluorescence lifetime option uses nitrogen pumped dye laser source to provide the excitation illumination. The laser source is coupled through one of the open ports of the sample compartment directly to the sample using quartz optics and a 350 micron diameter fiber optic cable with storage cassette. The laser provides an illumination wavelength range from 360 nm to 990 nm using various dyes (three are included with each system). Using an optional frequency doubler, this wavelength range can be extended to cover wavelengths from 235 nm to 345 nm (refer to accessories). The spectral bandwidth is 0.04 nm and the pulse width is 500 picoseconds. Peak power is 440 kW at 5 Hz with pulse energy of 220 microjoules per pulse at 500 nm at 5 Hz. Repetition rate can vary from 1 to 20 Hz.
There is a special stroboscopic detector used with PMT, detection wavelength range is from 200 to 680 nm. Extended wavelength range to 900 nm is optional, in the extended wavelength range a cooled housing is highly recommended.
The detector is coupled to the second emission port of the emission monochromator of the QuantaMaster™ system. The appropriate detector can be user selected by means of a flipping mirror on the monochromator.
All necessary electronics are included. Some of the data analysis capabilities are:
- 1 to 4 exponential decay analysis
- analysis of non-exponential decays
- lifetime global analysis
- micellar probe kinetics
- anisotropy and global anisotropy decay (requires optional polarizers)
- maximum entropy lifetime distribution
- exponential series lifetime distribution
- time resolved spectroscopy
Data acquisition characteristics are:
- sensitivity capable of measuring lifetime of 7 picomolars of fluorescence
- minimum measurable lifetime 100 picoseconds or better with 5 picosecond resolution
- range of lifetime measurable in a single experiment 100 picoseconds to 10's of microseconds
- data collection rate 30 seconds typical
Q11a Basic Specifications
Sensitivity |
3,000:1 or better |
|
Minimum measurable lifetime |
100 picoseconds or better with 5 picosecond resolution |
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Lifetime range |
100 picoseconds to 10's of microseconds |
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Data collection rate |
30 seconds typical |
Q11a Laser Illuminator Specifications
Wavelength range |
360 to 990 nm (depending on dye used) (235 to 345 nm with optional frequency doubler) |
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Bandwidth |
0.04 nm |
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Pulse width |
800 picoseconds |
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Peak power |
275 KW at 5 Hz |
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Pulse energy |
220 microjoules per pulse at 500 nm, 5 Hz |
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Repetition range |
2 to 20 Hz |
Q11a Stroboscopic Detector Specifications
Wavelength range |
185 to 680 nm with standard R1527 PMT |
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Lifetime Option (Q25)

Lifetime add-on for QM type systems; includes flipping mirror for emission monochromator , strobe detector and related electronics. Includes optics and adaptors for LED light sources to sample compartment. Requires LED source.
Q25 Basic Specifications
Lifetimes |
100 ps to 1 µs |
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Excitation wavelength |
260–670 nm |
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Pulse width |
1.5 ns (typical) |
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Sensitivity |
5 nM fluorescein |
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Acquisition time |
10 s (sample dependent) |
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Time scale |
Linear, arithmetic progression, logarithmic |
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NIR Upgrade Option (Q73)

Upgrade to an NIR system. Uses the existing high intensity 75 watt xenon light source, excitation scanning monochromator and sample compartment. Substitutes a high sensitivity TE-cooled InGaAs detector, electronics, lock-in amplifier and chopper for noise suppression., and an additional emission mono with a 600 groove grating blazed at 1.2 microns. The system provides unmatched NIR capability from 500 to 1700 nm.
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