StrobeLock

StrobeLock: Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting

  • StrobeLock is an extension for the WITec alpha300 microscope series, which enables time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements. TCSPC records the time-resolved luminescence or fluorescence decay after pulsed stimulation. In Time-resolved Luminescence Microscopy (TLM), the intensity decay is recorded at each image pixel. Various parameters describing each decay can be determined, such as single- or even multi-exponential relaxation times. Images can then be color-coded according to any of the extracted parameters, revealing local differences in the emission behavior of a sample. For example, extracting the lifetime of fluorophores allows for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM). Combining the time-resolved data with Raman, AFM or SNOM images yields additional information on the investigated materials.

    StrobeLock benefits:

    • Precise time-resolved measurement of fluorescence and other luminescence decays
    • Sample excitation via a pulsed laser for fluorescence or via a pulse generator for electrically stimulated luminescence
    • Adjustable excitation pulse frequencies (up to 100 MHz)
    • Instrument response function typically below 120 ps
    • Full integration with WITec Control and WITec Project software
    • User-friendly combination options with Raman, AFM and SNOM

Time-resolved Luminescence microscopy (TLM)

  • With Time-resolved Luminescence Microscopy (TLM), the luminescence properties of light-emitting devices, such as LEDs, can be investigated and spatial differences can be revealed. Light emission is stimulated by an electrical pulse generator and its intensity is recorded in a time-resolved manner. Thus, relaxation times or response times can be calculated for each image pixel and visualized. TLM can be used for example for the quality control of LEDs.

  • WITec StrobeLock Time resolved Luminescence
    Time-resolved Luminescence Microscopy (TLM) on a blue light-emitting diode (LED).
    Left: Map of local relaxation times; scale bar 7 µm.
    Right: Contour plot of the temporal start of the luminescence emission; scale bar 10 µm.

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)

  • Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) determines the average fluorescence lifetime for each image pixel from the time-resolved fluorescence decay after excitation by a pulsed laser. The resulting FLIM image is color-coded according to the lifetime, displaying its spatial distribution in a sample. In combination with other imaging techniques, such as Raman imaging or AFM, FLIM extends the amount of information gained from one sample.

  • WITec StrobeLock FLIM
    Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) of N,N′‐bis(1‐ethylpropyl)‐3,4,9,10‐perylenebis(dicarboximide) (EPPTC) crystal needles. Left: Total fluorescence intensity; scale bar 5 µm. Right: FLIM; scale bar 5 µm.
    Images are a courtesy of Xinping Zhang, Institute of Information Photonics Technology and College of Applied Sciences, Beijing University of Technology.

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