|
The Center offers spectrophometric and spectrofluorometric equipment for measuring the absorption and the excitation and emission spectra of fluorescent substances. This equipment is useful in determining the spectral properties of the dyes used in fluorescence-microscopy imaging applications. Based on a dye’s spectral properties, optimal interference filters are then selected to maximize the specificity and efficiency of the fluorescence signal while, at the same time, minimizing photo-bleaching of the dye, background noise, and potential bleed through artifacts when multiple fluorescent probes are present within the sample. Furthermore, this equipment is quite useful in confirming the performance properties of the dyes in their respective applications.
The spectrophotometer is a Beckman Du-7 Spectrophotometer with visible and UV capabilities. Solutions of fluorescent dyes as well as interference filters and beamsplitters can be analyzed to resolve their spectral properties and absorbance & transmission, respectively.
The spectrofluorimeter is a Spex Instruments FluoroMax with DataMax for Windows software. The instrument can automatically obtain excitation and emission spectra and is equipped with highly sensitive photon counting detectors. A temperature controlled sample compartment and micro magnetic stirrer accessory allow precise temperature control and stirring of the sample during measurements. Once the appropriate excitation and emission wavelength is selected, the instrument can be operated in kinetic mode to record fluorescence as a function of reaction time. An additional accessory allows fluorescence measurements in capillary tubes where sample quantities are limited. |
|
