Measurement of diffuse reflectance from combinatorial samples

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional methods for spectral characterization often require separate instruments and fixed configurations.
• Existing fibre-optic plate readers have limitations in versatility and sample handling.
• High-throughput screening of combinatorial libraries demands efficient and adaptable analytical techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile fibre-optic probe system for luminescence spectroscopy.
• To enable simultaneous recording of diffuse reflectance (colour) and fluorescence/phosphorescence spectra.
• To facilitate high-throughput analysis of combinatorial sample arrays and liquids.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a luminescence spectrometer as the core platform.
• Employing separate optical fibre bundles for incident and detected light, routed via a two-axis table.
• Recording spectra in diffuse reflectance and transmission modes without an integrating sphere.

Main Results:

• Successful characterization of colour, fluorescence, and phosphorescence spectra for samples down to 2 mm in diameter.
• Demonstrated versatility for both thick/thin film arrays and liquid samples.
• Efficient scanning of a 25-member library for colour and fluorescence in under an hour.

Conclusions:

• The developed fibre-optic probe system offers a versatile and efficient alternative to conventional spectroscopic methods.
• This approach integrates multiple analytical techniques, enhancing throughput for combinatorial library analysis.
• The system's adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of materials and sample formats.