Low-cost phase-modulation fluorometer for measuring nanosecond lifetimes using a lock-in amplifier

Peter D. Harms; Govind Rao

doi:10.1117/12.347543

3 May 1999 Low-cost phase-modulation fluorometer for measuring nanosecond lifetimes using a lock-in amplifier

Peter D. Harms, Govind Rao

Proceedings Volume 3602, Advances in Fluorescence Sensing Technology IV; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.347543
Event: BiOS '99 International Biomedical Optics Symposium, 1999, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

A Stanford Research Systems SR844 lock-in amplifier was used to build a sub $10,000 phase-modulation fluorometer capable of measuring nanosecond fluorescence lifetimes. The lock-in directly provided both the DC bias and the AC signal used to modulate the intensity of a blue LED excitation source. A photomultiplier tube measured the emission, and the resulting signal was sent back through a DC block to the lock-in with no external signal processing or heterodyning required. A simple computer program was developed to automate the measuring process and correct for the most common sources of error, namely coherent pickup and stray ambient light. Several standard fluorophores were measured, and the results compare favorably with those from a research grade cross-correlation phase fluorometer up to frequencies of 100 MHz. This system can operate in several configurations, each with benefits and limitations. The system is particularly well suited for fluorescence lifetime based sensing applications, demonstrated by measuring dissolved carbon dioxide online in a bacterial fermentation.

Citation Download Citation

Peter D. Harms and Govind Rao "Low-cost phase-modulation fluorometer for measuring nanosecond lifetimes using a lock-in amplifier", Proc. SPIE 3602, Advances in Fluorescence Sensing Technology IV, (3 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.347543

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