Autoreconvolution — An extension to the “reference convolution” procedure for the simultaneous analysis of two fluorescence decays from one sample

Abstract

A fast and simple method of analyzing fluorescence decay data collected using the time-correlated single-photon counting technique is presented. The technique is related to the “reference convolution” method and is applicable to systems characterized by groups of fluorescence decays which are interrelated such that each can be fitted by a sum of exponentials which differs only in preexponential factors from that descriptive of another in the set. Suitable cases include monomer/excimer systems, fluorescence anisotropy decay analysis, and heterogeneous emission systems. The advantages of this method are discussed with examples of its application.