Agilent Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer

Importance of the topic

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a cornerstone technique in analytical chemistry, enabling highly sensitive, selective, and non‐destructive analysis of molecular species. Instruments offering rapid scanning, minimal sample degradation, and versatile measurement modes are essential for applications ranging from life science assays to materials characterization. The Agilent Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer addresses these needs with advanced optical design, robust temperature control, and modular software for reliable results and efficient workflows.

Objectives and Overview

This summary reviews the key features, performance characteristics, and application potential of the Agilent Cary Eclipse. It highlights the instrument’s design innovations, measurement capabilities, accessory options, and software integration to demonstrate how it meets modern analytical challenges in research and quality control laboratories.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The core of the Cary Eclipse system is its xenon flash lamp, which delivers intense, pulsed excitation without continuous light exposure, eliminating sample photodegradation and warmup requirements. Schwarzschild reflective optics and optimized gratings ensure uniform sensitivity from UV to near‐IR. Instrument features include:

• Scan rates up to 24 000 nm/min with go–stop–flash monochromator drive to prevent wavelength shifts.
• Photomultiplier detectors extending sensitivity to 900 nm while preserving UV performance.
• Peltier‐controlled multi‐cell holder and temperature probes for precise thermal experiments (±0.05 °C stability).
• Options for fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, and bioluminescence measurement modes.
• Wide accessory range: fiber‐optic probes, microplate readers, polarizers, solid/powder holders, rapid‐mix kinetics module.

Key Results and Discussion

The Cary Eclipse demonstrates:

• Sub‐picoMolar detection limits for fluorescein in standard and micro-volume cuvettes.
• Immunity to ambient light for open‐compartment measurements of large or irregular samples.
• Negligible photobleaching under repeated scans compared to continuous‐source systems.
• High throughput microplate scanning: 96 wells in < 50 s, 384 wells in < 90 s, with full spectral acquisition.
• Room‐light‐immune fiber‐optic measurements enabling in situ analysis of solids, gels, and environmental samples without cuvettes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The instrument’s flexibility and sensitivity support a broad range of workflows:

• Life sciences: FRET assays, intracellular ion measurements, protein rotational dynamics, and photostability studies.
• Materials and chemistry: Optical brightener quantification, gemstone fingerprinting, and surface emission mapping via fiber optics.
• Quality control: Rapid contaminant screening, microvolume bioassays, and automated thermal denaturation analyses.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include integrating machine learning for spectra interpretation, expanding time‐resolved and single‐molecule fluorescence capabilities, and coupling with microfluidic platforms for ultrafast kinetics and high‐throughput screening. Continuous advancements in detector technology and software automation will further drive precision and productivity in fluorescence analytics.

Conclusion

The Agilent Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer combines superior optical engineering, versatile accessories, and intuitive software to deliver high sensitivity, fast data acquisition, and minimal sample perturbation. Its modular design and broad application support make it a robust solution for research, industrial, and clinical laboratories seeking reliable fluorescence measurements.