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Fiedler S, Frenzel F, Würth C, Tavernaro I, Grüne M, Schweizer S, Engel A, Resch-Genger U. Interlaboratory Comparison on Absolute Photoluminescence Quantum Yield Measurements of Solid Light Converting Phosphors with Three Commercial Integrating Sphere Setups. Anal Chem 2024; 96:6730-6737. [PMID: 38629445 PMCID: PMC11063975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Scattering luminescent materials dispersed in liquid and solid matrices and luminescent powders are increasingly relevant for fundamental research and industry. Examples are luminescent nano- and microparticles and phosphors of different compositions in various matrices or incorporated into ceramics with applications in energy conversion, solid-state lighting, medical diagnostics, and security barcoding. The key parameter to characterize the performance of these materials is the photoluminescence/fluorescence quantum yield (Φf), i.e., the number of emitted photons per number of absorbed photons. To identify and quantify the sources of uncertainty of absolute measurements of Φf of scattering samples, the first interlaboratory comparison (ILC) of three laboratories from academia and industry was performed by following identical measurement protocols. Thereby, two types of commercial stand-alone integrating sphere setups with different illumination and detection geometries were utilized for measuring the Φf of transparent and scattering dye solutions and solid phosphors, namely, YAG:Ce optoceramics of varying surface roughness, used as converter materials for blue light emitting diodes. Special emphasis was dedicated to the influence of the measurement geometry, the optical properties of the blank utilized to determine the number of photons of the incident excitation light absorbed by the sample, and the sample-specific surface roughness. While the Φf values of the liquid samples matched between instruments, Φf measurements of the optoceramics with different blanks revealed substantial differences. The ILC results underline the importance of the measurement geometry, sample position, and blank for reliable Φf data of scattering the YAG:Ce optoceramics, with the blank's optical properties accounting for uncertainties exceeding 20%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Fiedler
- Division
of Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
(BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Frenzel
- Division
of Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
(BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Würth
- Division
of Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
(BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Tavernaro
- Division
of Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
(BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michelle Grüne
- Faculty
of Electrical Engineering, South Westphalia
University of Applied Sciences, Lübecker Ring 2, 59494 Soest, Germany
| | - Stefan Schweizer
- Faculty
of Electrical Engineering, South Westphalia
University of Applied Sciences, Lübecker Ring 2, 59494 Soest, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Application Center for Inorganic Phosphors, Branch Lab of Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials
and Systems IMWS, Lübecker
Ring 2, 59494 Soest, Germany
| | - Axel Engel
- Schott
AG Technical Services, Hattenbergstrasse 10, D-55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ute Resch-Genger
- Division
of Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
(BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
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2
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Pauli J, Güttler A, Schneider T, Würth C, Resch-Genger U. Fluorescence Quantum Yield Standards for the UV/Visible/NIR: Development, Traceable Characterization, and Certification. Anal Chem 2023; 95:5671-5677. [PMID: 36920895 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of next generation molecular and nanoscale reporters and the comparison of different emitter classes require the determination of the fluorometric key performance parameter fluorescence quantum yield (Φf), i.e., the number of emitted photons per number of absorbed photons. Main prerequisites for reliable Φf measurements, which are for transparent luminophore solutions commonly done relative to a reference, i.e., a fluorescence quantum yield standard of known Φf, are reliable and validated instrument calibration procedures to consider wavelength-, polarization-, and time-dependent instrument specific signal contributions, and sufficiently well characterized fluorescence quantum yield standards. As the standard's Φf value directly contributes to the calculation of the sample's Φf, its accuracy presents one of the main sources of uncertainty of relative Φf measurements. To close this gap, we developed a first set of 12 fluorescence quantum yield standards, which absorb and emit in the wavelength region of 330-1000 nm and absolutely determined their Φf values with two independently calibrated integrating sphere setups. Criteria for standard selection and the configuration of these novel fluorescence reference materials are given, and the certification procedure is presented including homogeneity and stability studies and the calculation of complete uncertainty budgets for the certified Φf values. The ultimate goal is to provide the community of fluorescence users with available reference materials as a basis for an improved comparability and reliability of quantum yield data since the measurement of this spectroscopic key property is an essential part of the characterization of any new emitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Pauli
- Division Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Arne Güttler
- Division Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Schneider
- Division Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Würth
- Division Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Resch-Genger
- Division Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
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Hoffmann K, Nirmalananthan-Budau N, Resch-Genger U. Fluorescence calibration standards made from broadband emitters encapsulated in polymer beads for fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:6499-6507. [PMID: 32409890 PMCID: PMC7442758 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02664-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We present here the design and characterization of a set of spectral calibration beads. These calibration beads are intended for the determination and regular control of the spectral characteristics of fluorescence microscopes and other fluorescence measuring devices for the readout of bead-based assays. This set consists of micrometer-sized polymer beads loaded with dyes from the liquid Calibration Kit Spectral Fluorescence Standards developed and certified by BAM for the wavelength-dependent determination of the spectral responsivity of fluorescence measuring devices like spectrofluorometers. To cover the wavelength region from 400 to 800 nm, two new near-infrared emissive dyes were included, which were spectroscopically characterized in solution and encapsulated in the beads. The resulting set of beads presents the first step towards a new platform of spectral calibration beads for the determination of the spectral characteristics of fluorescence instruments like fluorescence microscopes, FCM setups, and microtiter plate readers, thereby meeting the increasing demand for reliable and comparable fluorescence data especially in strongly regulated areas, e.g., medical diagnostics. This will eventually provide the basis for standardized calibration procedures for imaging systems as an alternative to microchannel slides containing dye solutions previously reported by us. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hoffmann
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Richard-Willstaetter-Str. 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ute Resch-Genger
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Richard-Willstaetter-Str. 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany.
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Nawara K, Waluk J. Spectrofluorometer: the excitation beam intensity calibration using a single standard solution. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2020; 8:047001. [PMID: 32686655 DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/aba356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The accurate, periodically updated excitation beam intensity correction is essential for conducting fluorescence spectroscopy research. This article describes a simple and inexpensive approach to reevaluate the excitation calibration curve of a spectrofluorometer using a single dye solution. The method shows excellent agreement with the data obtained using a certified calibration detector for the broad spectral range from 290 nm to 700 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Nawara
- Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Dewajtis 5, 01-815 Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Ryder AG, Stedmon CA, Harrit N, Bro R. Calibration, standardization, and quantitative analysis of multidimensional fluorescence (MDF) measurements on complex mixtures (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE APPL CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2017-0610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThis IUPAC Technical Report describes and compares the currently applied methods for the calibration and standardization of multi-dimensional fluorescence (MDF) spectroscopy data as well as recommendations on the correct use of chemometric methods for MDF data analysis. The paper starts with a brief description of the measurement principles for the most important MDF techniques and a short introduction to the most important applications. Recommendations are provided for instrument calibration, sample preparation and handling, and data collection, as well as the proper use of chemometric data analysis methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan G. Ryder
- Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory, School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Colin A. Stedmon
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kgs.Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Niels Harrit
- Nanoscience Center, H. C. Ørsted Institute, Universitetsparken 5, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Bro
- Department Food Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University Copenhagen, DK-1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Hoffmann K, Spieles M, Bremser W, Resch-Genger U. Narrow-Band Emitting Solid Fluorescence Reference Standard with Certified Intensity Pattern. Anal Chem 2015; 87:7204-10. [PMID: 26077510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b02209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of a lanthanum-phosphate glass doped with several rare-earth-ions for use as solid fluorescence standard is described. The cuvette-shaped reference material which shows a characteristic emission intensity pattern upon excitation at 365 nm consisting of a multitude of relatively narrow emission bands in the wavelength region between 450 and 700 nm is intended for the day-to-day performance validation of fluorescence measuring devices. Evaluation of the fluorescent glass includes the determination of all properties which can affect its relative emission intensity profile or contribute to the uncertainty of the certified values like absorption spectra, fluorescence anisotropy, excitation wavelength, and temperature dependence of the spectroscopic features, homogeneity of fluorophore distribution, and photo- and long-term stability. Moreover, a certification procedure was developed including the normalization of the intensity profile consisting of several narrow emission bands and the calculation of wavelength-dependent uncertainties. Criteria for the design, characterization, and working principle of the new reference material BAM-F012 are presented, and possible applications of this ready-to-use fluorescence standard are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hoffmann
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 1.10, Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Spieles
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 1.10, Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfram Bremser
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 1.10, Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Resch-Genger
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 1.10, Richard-Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
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7
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Wilhelm S, Kaiser M, Würth C, Heiland J, Carrillo-Carrion C, Muhr V, Wolfbeis OS, Parak WJ, Resch-Genger U, Hirsch T. Water dispersible upconverting nanoparticles: effects of surface modification on their luminescence and colloidal stability. NANOSCALE 2015; 7:1403-10. [PMID: 25503253 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05954a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We present a systematic study on the effect of surface ligands on the luminescence properties and colloidal stability of β-NaYF4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), comparing nine different surface coatings to render these UCNPs water-dispersible and bioconjugatable. A prerequisite for this study was a large-scale synthetic method that yields ∼2 g per batch of monodisperse oleate-capped UCNPs providing identical core particles. These ∼23 nm sized UCNPs display an upconversion quantum yield of ∼0.35% when dispersed in cyclohexane and excited with a power density of 150 W cm(-2), underlining their high quality. A comparison of the colloidal stability and luminescence properties of these UCNPs, subsequently surface modified with ligand exchange or encapsulation protocols, revealed that the ratio of the green (545 nm) and red (658 nm) emission bands determined at a constant excitation power density clearly depends on the surface chemistry. Modifications relying on the deposition of additional (amphiphilic) layer coatings, where the initial oleate coating is retained, show reduced non-radiative quenching by water as compared to UCNPs that are rendered water-dispersible via ligand exchange. Moreover, we could demonstrate that the brightness of the upconversion luminescence of the UCNPs is strongly affected by the type of surface modification, i.e., ligand exchange or encapsulation, yet hardly by the chemical nature of the ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Wilhelm
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo- and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.
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Halter M, Bier E, DeRose PC, Cooksey GA, Choquette SJ, Plant AL, Elliott JT. An automated protocol for performance benchmarking a widefield fluorescence microscope. Cytometry A 2014; 85:978-85. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Halter
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Materials Measurement Laboratory; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg Maryland 20899
| | - Elianna Bier
- Department of Physics; Augsburg College; Minneapolis Minnesota 55454
| | - Paul C. DeRose
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Materials Measurement Laboratory; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg Maryland 20899
| | - Gregory A. Cooksey
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Materials Measurement Laboratory; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg Maryland 20899
| | - Steven J. Choquette
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Materials Measurement Laboratory; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg Maryland 20899
| | - Anne L. Plant
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Materials Measurement Laboratory; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg Maryland 20899
| | - John T. Elliott
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Materials Measurement Laboratory; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg Maryland 20899
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9
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Resch-Genger U, Rurack K. Determination of the photoluminescence quantum yield of dilute dye solutions (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE APPL CHEM 2013. [DOI: 10.1351/pac-rep-12-03-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Procedures for the determination of photoluminescence quantum yields with optical
methods are addressed, and challenges associated with these measurements are
discussed. Special emphasis is dedicated to relative measurements of fluorescent
(i.e., short excited-state lifetime), transparent, dilute dye solutions in
conventional cuvettes in a 0°/90° measurement geometry.
Recommendations on the selection of suitable quantum yield standards are
presented, and requirements for the documentation of photoluminescence quantum
yields are derived.
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10
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Würth C, Grabolle M, Pauli J, Spieles M, Resch-Genger U. Relative and absolute determination of fluorescence quantum yields of transparent samples. Nat Protoc 2013; 8:1535-50. [DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2013.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 670] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Abstract
Procedures for the characterization of photoluminescence measuring systems are
discussed, focusing on spectrofluorometers and fit-for-purpose methods including
suitable standards. The aim here is to increase the awareness for the importance
of a reliable instrument characterization and to improve the reliability and
comparability of measurements of photoluminescence.
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