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Ultrafast Time-resolved Near-IR Stimulated Raman Measurements of Functional π-conjugate Systems
Published on: February 10, 2020
Fiber-optic probes with improved excitation and collection efficiency for deep-UV Raman and resonance Raman
L S Greek1, H G Schulze, M W Blades
1Biotechnology Laboratory, The University of British Columbia, 237-6174 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Applied Optics
|February 13, 2008
Summary
New fiber-optic probes enable deep-ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRRS) for analyzing biomolecules. These probes overcome previous limitations, allowing for more versatile in situ and in vivo studies of low-concentration aqueous samples.
Area of Science:
- Bioanalytical Chemistry
- Biophysical Techniques
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRRS) provides valuable structural and environmental information on biomolecules.
- Previous experimental limitations hindered in situ and in vivo applications of UVRRS, particularly for low-concentration aqueous samples.
- The rapid solarization and throughput decay of optical fibers in the deep-UV (DUV) range limited their use in pulsed UVRRS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop high-performance fiber-optic probes for pulsed UVRRS applications in the deep-UV (205-250 nm).
- To overcome experimental limitations of UVRRS, enabling in situ and in vivo studies.
- To characterize the performance of novel probes for analyzing low-concentration aqueous biomolecules.
Main Methods:
- Development of fiber-optic probes utilizing improved ultraviolet (IUV) fibers resistant to solarization and throughput decay.
- Implementation of a novel 90-degree mirrored collection geometry to mitigate inner-filtering effects.
- Characterization of IUV fiber efficacy for transmitting pulsed DUV laser light and testing prototype probes with aromatic amino acids, proteins, and hormones.
Main Results:
- Successful development of the first high-performance fiber-optic probes for pulsed DUV UVRRS.
- Demonstration of pulsed UVRRS data acquisition for low-concentration biomolecules using 205-240 nm excitation.
- Identification of optimal excitation wavelengths, often red-shifted from the maximum enhancement profile, and general procedures for optimizing experimental conditions.
Conclusions:
- The developed fiber-optic probes significantly enhance the utility of UVRRS for bioanalytical and biophysical studies.
- These probes facilitate long-term use and overcome previous limitations for in situ and in vivo measurements.
- The findings provide a foundation for broader applications of UVRRS in analyzing complex biological systems.
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