OPTIMIZATION OF A FLUORESCENCE DETECTION SYSTEM FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SOLIDS

The optimization of a robust fluorescence detection system is describe d in which both scattered excitation light and collected fluorescence emission from rack, core, or cutting samples are guided by optical fib ers. Analysis of solids poses increased difficulties compared to the e xtensively studied analysis of liquids; large and variable scattered l ight can lead to substantial reduction of the system dynamic range and to significant optical noise without proper rejection of the scattere d source light. In addition, optical component fluorescence must be mi nimized; optimization and final optical component selections were base d upon the system throughput as well as the system dynamic range. The optimized design was found by analysis of the individual system compon ents - specifically, the source, launch objectives, fiber optics, outp ut collimation optics, and filters. A system dynamic range of 5.1 opti cal density was achieved, and system performance was demonstrated with fluorescence yield measurements on a variety of solid samples.