Applied Photophysics Ltd

Real-life Pro-Data Upgrade Case Study 3 – Dual Channel Fluorescence Measurements

This DX17 instrument was installed in 1992. The main application of the instrument requires single and dual channel fluorescence detection for fluorescence and FRET detection. Prior to the upgrade the instrument appeared as shown below. This instrument required two photometric units in order to collect data via two fluorescence detectors.

Example3 Picture 1

The improvements to the instrument hardware performance are directly linked to the new data acquisition electronics. On the old instrument, data acquisition via a single 12 bit A/D converter from the two photometric channels was multiplexed and not truly simultaneous. The Pro-Data upgrade features a dual channel PMT module as standard for measurement of two simultaneous signals (absorbance and fluorescence, dual fluorescence signals or fluorescence and light scattering). Each channel is equipped with a dedicated 16 bit A/D converter providing true simultaneous dual channel acquisition. The dual channel PMT module is also a fundamental component for fluorescence polarisation measurements. The Pro-Data upgrade is thus a cost effective route to upgrading to dual channel and FP detection.

The 16 bit A/D converter combined with automatic gain control provides a marginal signal to noise benefit for absorbance and fluorescence data for upgraded instruments. More helpful to the user during setting up the instrument control software is the elimination of the manual A/D range software control and signal offset control that these features provide.

Pre-1996 instruments featured non-amplified PMT detectors unless subsequently upgraded. This instrument featured one non-amplified photometric channel and a non-amplified absorbance and fluorescence detector. The electronic circuitry upgrade of the detectors carried out as standard with the Pro-Data upgrade ensures the latest sensitivity detection from each detector.

The new electronics configuration greatly simplifies the instrument cabling. On this instrument, the total number of cables was reduced by 11.

Example3 Picture 2

Other example installations.

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