Flexible Development Platform for Fluorescence Applications

MultiFrequency Phase Fluorometer Improves Stability in Ocean Optics Oxygen Sensors

Dunedin, Florida (August 2006) – The MultiFrequency Phase Fluorometer (MFPF) is a frequency-domain luminescence monitor now available for measurement of luminescence lifetime, phase and intensity. The MFPF uses LED excitation, avalanche photodiode detection and filter-based wavelength selection for simple experimental set-up and control and, when used with Ocean Optics Oxygen Sensors, helps to mitigate index effects, eliminate ambient light and improve system stability in dissolved oxygen applications.

The MFPF is especially useful for oxygen-sensing applications where sensitivity to drift is important and sample set-ups must be undisturbed for long periods of time. Because it utilizes phase-shift technology, the MFPF is invariant to fiber bending and stray light, has broad dynamic range, generates very little optical and electronic crosstalk, and has low drift and phase noise. Built-in pressure and temperature measurement capabilities also make the MFPF an ideal choice for luminescence sensor design, testing and calibration.

The MFPF has can be configured with one- or two-channel LED excitation and detection, with modulation frequencies to 100 kHz. Luminescence lifetime measurements are possible from 200 microseconds to 0.3 microseconds; an onboard pressure transducer measures atmospheric pressure or external pressure with an optional hose fitting.

The single-channel MFPF comes with an LED for excitation, an avalanche photodiode for detection, and a thermistor for temperature logging, calibration and temperature correction; the two-channel unit has two LEDs, photodiodes and thermistors. Each unit has USB and RS-232 computer interfaces. Data can be saved in Microsoft Excel-compatible CSV format.

The MFPF was developed by TauTheta Instruments LLC (www.tautheta.com), a Colorado-based developer of thin film fluorescence-based chemical sensors and robust, compact and easy-to-use multifrequency lifetime-based fluorimeters.

Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing - fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. Since 1989, Ocean Optics has sold more than 70,000 spectrometers worldwide and has developed an extensive line of complementary technologies including chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers, thin films and optics.