Charges: $50/hour, External users $150/hour ($75/hr trained running own sample) - 3 hour cap

(Future charges subject to change)

The Shimadzu RF-6000 equipped with an integrating sphere is primarily used for measuring the fluorescence quantum efficiency (QE) and quantum yield of a wide range of sample types, including solids, powders, and liquids. The integrating sphere allows the instrument to capture all light emitted by a sample—even those with high scattering properties—to perform accurate absolute measurements that are difficult with standard detectors. 

Supported Sample Types

The integrating sphere expands the capabilities of the Shimadzu RF-6000 to include samples that would otherwise be difficult to measure due to their physical state or light-scattering nature: 

• Solid Materials: Measuring the light-emitting layers of solid-state semiconductor materials, such as those used in organic electroluminescent (EL) devices.

• Powder Samples: Analyzing fluorescent powders, which often require a specialized powder kit and holder to secure the sample for measurement.

• Liquid Solutions: While standard cuvettes work in the main compartment, the sphere can secure a cuvette to measure the absolute quantum efficiency of solutions like quinine sulfate.

• Films: Measuring thin-film samples for their fluorescence properties.

• Natural & Complex Samples: Investigating minerals (like calcite) to identify impurities or studying photosynthetic proteins in biological membranes. 

The integrating sphere unit provides specialized analytical power through both hardware and software integration: 

• Quantum Efficiency (QE) Measurement: The unit is designed to calculate both internal and external quantum efficiency. Using the dedicated "Quantum Efficiency Measurement" application in the LabSolutions RF software, users can automate these calculations, which are otherwise complex.

• Broad Wavelength Range: It supports a measurement range of 200 to 900 nm, with a guaranteed spectrum correction range between 250 and 850 nm.

• High-Speed 3D Scanning: The system can perform ultrafast scanning (up to 60,000 nm/min), allowing for rapid acquisition of 3D fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) to identify optimal wavelengths for QE tests.

• Spectral Correction: It includes built-in functions to ensure accurate spectral shapes are measured in real-time, which is essential for determining precise quantum yields across different wavelengths.

• Diffuse and Total Reflectance: Beyond fluorescence, the sphere can be used for reflectance applications to study the absorption and reflection characteristics of scattered samples. 

https://www.ssi.shimadzu.com/products/fluorescence/fluorescence-spectroscopy/rf-6000/index.html