SBIR Phase II: Revitalizing Spectrofluorimeters with Cryogenic Fiber Optic Probes, Fluorescence Lifetime Capability, and Tunable Laser Sources

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目将开发用于荧光和磷光光谱测量的新仪器。 第一阶段生产了一个定制的荧光分光光度计，配备了可调谐激光源，荧光寿命能力，和光纤探头的低温测量。 然而，需要更好的方法来分析苯并[c]芴，研究人员现在认为苯并[a]芘可能是一个环境问题。 第二阶段将开发一种升级的新仪器，能够将低温探头、荧光寿命和可调谐激光功能改装到实验室荧光分光光度计上。 发射单色器、光电倍增管检测器和控制/分析计算机可以从荧光分光光度计中保留下来，并且不会丢失任何功能。 预计第二阶段将生产几种型号的商用荧光分光光度计，测试数据将在技术期刊和贸易杂志上发表，仪器升级选项将作为一项商业服务，目前这些升级的市场估计有30，000 - 40，000台荧光分光光度计投入使用。 每年还有4 000名个人或机构购买新的住房。 新的仪器升级将用于研究和开发、分析服务、质量控制、环境研究和调查以及教学和其他应用。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new instrumentation for fluorescence and phosphorescence spectral measurements. Phase I produced a customized spectrofluorimeter equipped with a tunable laser source, fluorescence lifetime capability, and fiber optic probe for cryogenic measurements. However, better methods are needed to analyze benzo[c]fluorene, which researchers now believe may be an environmental concern comparable to benzo[a]pyrene. Phase II will develop an upgraded new instrument, capable of retrofitting the low temperature probe, fluorescence lifetime, and tunable laser capabilities onto laboratory spectrofluorimeters. The emission monochromator, photomultiplier tube detector, and control/analysis computer can be retained from the spectrofluorimeter, and none of its functionality will be lost. Phase II is expected to produce several models of commercial spectrofluorimeters, test data for publication in technical journals and trade magazines, and instrument upgrade options as a commercial service.The market for these upgrades presently has an estimated 30,000-40,000 spectrofluorimeters in service. An additional 4,000 individuals or institutions purchase new units each year. The new instrument upgrades will be used in research and development, analytical services, quality control, environmental studies and surveys, and teaching and other applications.