A simple light path modifying device to reduce scattering in front-face fluorescence spectra

This technical note presents a device to diminish scattering signal in front-face fluorescence spectra while obtaining fluorescence signal. The beam path in a commercial fluorescence spectrometer was modified by two deflecting mirrors, leading reflections away from the sensor. This light path modifying (LPM) device was tested with two fluid and three solid substances, where the scattering-to-fluorescence ratio improved by a factor of 1.7 to 7.6. The spectra obtained with the LPM were much clearer, and distortion of the fluorescence peaks was avoided. Scans of quinine sulphate complied well with reference spectra.