AGILENT CARY ECLIPSE FLUORESCENCE SPECTROPHOTOMETER

Importance of Fluorescence Spectrophotometry

Fluorescence spectrophotometry is a cornerstone analytical technique for detecting trace-level compounds with high sensitivity and selectivity. It finds critical applications across environmental monitoring, chemical quality control, and life sciences research. The Agilent Cary Eclipse system enhances routine workflows by combining fast data acquisition, robust performance, and flexible sampling options.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note presents the design features and performance characteristics of the Agilent Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrophotometer. Key goals include demonstrating:

• Exceptional lamp lifetime and low cost of ownership
• Rapid spectral scanning and kinetic measurements
• Versatile sampling modes, including fiber optic probes
• Multiple luminescence detection capabilities

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Cary Eclipse instrument integrates:

• A high-intensity xenon flash lamp with over 3 billion flashes and a typical 10-year service life
• Fast scanning optics delivering full spectral scans in under 3 seconds at rates up to 24,000 nm/min
• Temperature-controlled sample probes to prevent photobleaching
• Selectable collection modes: fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, bioluminescence
• Fiber optic sampling for remote or in situ measurements, enabling analysis of hot, cold, solid, or hazardous samples without cuvettes

Main Findings and Discussion

Performance evaluation highlights include:

• Picomolar detection limits in standard and microcuvettes
• Sub-second kinetic data acquisition at 80 points/sec
• Reliable operation under ambient light, supporting open-lid or fiber optic measurements
• Seamless mode switching for diverse luminescence assays

Graphical data demonstrate high signal-to-noise ratios across the UV-visible range and consistent spectral fidelity in 3D and contour representations.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Cary Eclipse addresses analytical needs in multiple fields:

• Chemical Analysis: fluorescent marker determination, polarized measurements in polymer research
• Environmental Monitoring: identification of hydrocarbons in spills, tracking fluorescent tracers in water systems
• Life Sciences: live cell imaging labels, GPCR oligomerization studies, protein folding assays, biocatalyst stability
• Food Quality: additive quantification, authenticity tests, contamination screening

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advancements may include integration with microfluidics for high-throughput screening, expanded fiber optic probes for deep tissue probing, and AI-driven spectral deconvolution to resolve complex mixtures. Emerging bioluminescent assays and time-resolved fluorescence techniques will further extend analytical capabilities in drug discovery and environmental diagnostics.

Conclusion

The Agilent Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrophotometer combines sensitivity, speed, and flexibility, delivering reliable results across diverse applications. Its low operating cost and modular accessories make it a versatile platform for current and future analytical challenges.

Reference

Agilent Technologies. Agilent Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrophotometer Application Note. Publication 5991-6479EN, November 30, 2015.