Fluorescence

Forensic traces are physical remnants of past events that provide critical information for criminal and civil investigations and adjudications. The scientific examination of traces is an incredibly valuable tool for forensic investigations, because the skilled interpretation of traces yields factual answers to a range of pertinent questions.

A novel method was developed for detecting Hg2+ in tobacco, with potential application to mercury detection in environmental water samples.

Our annual review of products introduced at Pittcon or during the previous year

Total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry is an energy-dispersive x-ray technique that is used for elemental and chemical analysis, and is especially suitable for small-sample analyses. Ursula Fittschen, an assistant professor at Washington State University, is working on elemental microscopy and micro analysis. She has been using TXRF to analyze stainless steel metal release, and also airborne silver nanoparticles (NPs) from fabrics. Here, she describes the advantages and challenges of this technique.

Application of simultaneous absorbance and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) analysis to identify and classify freshwater planktonic algal species. Main foci were two major potentially toxic cyanobacterial species associated with algal bloom events in the Great Lakes.

LabSpec 6 MultiWell module and HORIBA Raman systems enable non-destructive analysis with high throughput screening using arrayed sampling devices, automated sample movement, autofocus devices, and automated data acquisition to acquire spectra from hundreds of samples sequentially.

Time‐resolved Fluorescence can analyze potential health benefits from antioxidant activity of curcumin, found in turmeric. Curcuminoids, weakly fluorescent in aqueous solution, show quantum yield increases upon interaction with a protein, such as human serum albumin.

Here, Li2CaSiO4:Sm3+ reddish orange phosphors were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method and examined by spectroscopic methods.

The basic techniques of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) are discussed as well as several applications, such as nanoparticle dispersion studies.

The advantages and disadvantages of measuring mercury with cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy, cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, and direct analysis by thermal decomposition are explained.

From the field to the synchrotron, XRF is expanding its power and scope.

The onset of nanotechnology and targeted therapy methods for a number of pathologies has made it increasingly more difficult to image effectively in the medical field. With that being said, the inception of quantum dots and the improvements to optical filters has made this once daunting task a common practice.

In recent years, the spectroscopy community has observed rapid development of Raman instrumentation and its usefulness in a variety of applications. Routine Raman analysis with 785 nm excitation has served well for the great majority of industrial applications and has become the most favored instrument configuration.

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) provides sensitive analysis of the atomic composition of samples. The technique is particularly well-suited for analyzing the elemental range from sodium to uranium, which covers the majority of the metallic elements.

Building on more than 10 years of Micro-XRF experience, the Orbis spectrometer yields a system with excellent Micro-XRF capability while setting a new standard in analytical flexibility.

For the optimization of photodynamic therapy the spectroscopic detection of photosensitizer molecules, which are selectively enriched in tumour cells, can be useful.

Diagnostic instruments such as blood analyzers and flow cytometers utilize induced fluorescence to detect bio-factors of interest in a heterogeneous sample.

Lifetime fluorescence is a subset of fluorescence spectroscopy in which the time between excitation and relaxation is measured, rather than just the intensity of the emitted energy. The technique is used primarily in biological applications, but has a number of other uses as well. Lifetime fluorescence is a well-established niche market.

This month's Technology Forum looks at the topic of fluorescence and the trends and issues surrounding it. Joining us for this discussion are David M. Jameson, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa; Michael W. Allen, Ph.D, Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific; and Patrick J. Treado, Founder & CTO, ChemImage Corporation.

Although the market for dedicated single-tube luminometers now pales in comparison to multimode fluorometers and microplate readers, such luminometers continue to satisfy a niche market. The relative simplicity and therefore low cost is their major advantage, which is appealing to smaller life science laboratories.

Although overshadowed by other technologies, demand for fluorescence microscopy is already strong and is growing rapidly. The technology is proving to be very useful for specific life science applications.

Ocean Optics

Wavelength Tech Forum: Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Ocean Optics

Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc.