Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy using pulsed lasers

Abstract

The mode-locked laser systems available as excitation sources for fluorescence decay measurements using the method of time-correlated single photon counting are discussed. Because of the high stability requirements for successful operation of these lasers, an alternative pulsed excitation source, employing a CW laser with a cavity dumper is proposed. Although the pulse width from this source is large compared to those from the mode-locked systems, it is shown that when combined with a reliable deconvolution procedure, lifetimes in the nanosecond and sub-nanosecond time domain may be measured with fair accuracy. Examples are presented showing how the fluorescence from two component mixtures m..