Instrumentation for measuring phosphorescence lifetimes using fiber optic

Abstract

In this paper, the authors present a relatively simple and low cost prototype for measuring phosphorescence lifetimes. Fiber optics are used to guide the light, which allows it to reach difficult places and allows one to make measurements from a distance. The most significant problem is that light emitted in the phosphorescence process has a very low intensity and contains important noise. Thus, it is necessary to maximize the emission (maximizing the excitation) and to filter it. The best ways to optimize the light source are discussed and a simple method to filter the response is proposed. The performance of the equipment is demonstrated with the measurement of very low oxygen concentrations in gases.