The Optical Spectroscopy Core Facility provides advanced optical spectroscopy and imaging instrumentation in the broad spectral range to support the basic and clinical research of Washington University investigators and their collaborators. The core provides service in optical measurements in both solution and solid form.

In 2012, the lab installed a unique fluorometer designed for research in Vis-NIR spectral range (300-1600 nm). The instrument was purchased from funding provided by NIH (S10 Shared Instrumentation Grant). This custom-designed system built by Horiba Jobin Yvon Inc. is one of the most sophisticated fluorescent spectrophotometers in the world.

In 2015, the lab installed a new imager in shortwave infrared and later hyperspectral imagers working in the range from 400 nm to 1700 nm.

In 2023, the lab acquired a MicroTime 200 Time-resolved Confocal Microscopy (PicoQuant), which enables a wide range studies including Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), Förster resonance energy transfer (FLIM-FRET), single-molecule FRET, Fluorescence Correlation/lifetime Spectroscopy (FCS/FLCS), Anisotropy imaging, Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging (PLIM) and Time-Resolved Photoluminescence (TRPL) imaging.

Core Description

The Optical Spectroscopy Core Facility provides advanced optical spectroscopy and imaging instrumentation in the broad spectral range to support the basic and clinical research of Washington University investigators and their collaborators.

Access

Service available to All entities, including for-profit organizations.

Priority service for No distinctions.

Services

  • Spectroscopic measurements
  • Hands-on education in the use and application to assess spectral properties of solutions and solids
  • Bench space to prepare the samples
  • Collaborative research opportunities
  • Data interpretations and recommendations

Equipment

  • The system has a T shape geometry, features a dual housing lamp with CW 450W xenon lamp for fluorescence and UV xenon flash tube for phosphorescence, a double grating excitation monochromator, cuvette holder with front face and right angle detection for measuring fluorescence in solution, solid and opaque systems, liquid nitrogen dewar assembly for measuring the samples at very low temperature and two imaging spectrographs iHR320 f/4.1 with a kinematic turret for to up to 3 gratings each
  • Four high-sensitivity NIR detectors: thermoelectrically cooled R2658p PMT with sensitivity 185–1050 nm (other PMTs are available), thermoelectrically cooled to -70oC Synapse CCD (1024x256 pixel) detector with sensitivity 200–900 nm, thermoelectrically cooled H10330-45 PMT detector with sensitivity 950–1400 nm, and liquid nitrogen cooled linear InGaAs array detector Symphony II 512x50x1 with sensitivity 800–1700 nm
  • Fluorescence lifetime module TCSPC with Xe subsecond pulse strobe, nanosecond pulsed sources Nanoleds 278, 295, 370, 460, 560, 648, 700, 740, 773 and 820 nm and picoseconds pulsed sources Delta 785 and 980 nm for measuring fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes
  • Automated polarizers for both S and T sides and a manual polarizer for lifetime measurements
  • External 6” integrating sphere to measure luminescent quantum yields of solids, liquids, powders, thin films and small light sources and calculate chromaticity
  • External stopped flow unit for measuring rapid kinetics of chemical reactions
  • Integrated fully automated microspot unit based on Olympus BX51 microscope with moving stage and automated pinhole assembly, 1.4 Mpix color fluorescence camera Lumenera 3C and 120W metal halide fluorescence illuminator X-cite with computer controlled iris
  • Absorption spectrophotometer OLIS with sensitivity from 800 to 1600 nm
  • NEW: Imager in shortwave infrared (SWIR) from 70 to 1650 nm with a variety of filters
  • MoorLDI laser Doppler blood flow imager offers high specification solution to blood flow application for clinical or research studies
  • MicroTime 200 Time-resolved Confocal Microscopy (PicoQuant) for fluorescence lifetime imaging, Förster resonance energy transfer, Fluorescence Correlation/lifetime Spectroscopy, Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging and Time-Resolved Photoluminescence (TRPL) imaging

Pricing

Pricing is subject to core verification

Wash University Users:
Training: $200 dollars/session (2 hours) (limited to two person)
Usage of the core facility for WashU: $50/per hour (1 hour increment)
Assisted usage for WashU: $100/per hour (1 hour increment)
*Developmental funds ($500) are available for WashU users that have limited funds

Outside Users:
Training: $300 dollars/session (2 hours) (limited to two person)
Usage of the core facility: $80/per hour (1 hour increment)
Assisted usage: $150/per hour (1 hour increment)

Updated Nov 2023