Spectrofluorometer

The instrument shown is a spectrofluorometer, specifically the SL 174 model from ELICO Ltd., used for measuring fluorescence emitted by chemical substances. It operates on the principle of Fluorescence Spectroscopy, where a molecule absorbs light at a specific excitation wavelength and subsequently emits light at a longer wavelength, allowing the study of its electronic and structural properties. The instrument comprises a light source (typically a xenon lamp) for excitation, excitation and emission monochromators for wavelength selection, a sample holder or cuvette compartment, and a detector positioned at 90° to the incident beam to minimize scattered light and accurately measure fluorescence intensity, along with a digital display and control panel for operation and data acquisition. Due to its high sensitivity, it is widely used for detecting trace amounts of compounds, studying fluorescent molecules and probes, analyzing metal–ligand interactions, investigating biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, and monitoring environmental pollutants. Compared to UV–Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy offers superior sensitivity and selectivity, making it particularly valuable for low-concentration analysis and advanced research in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science.