Spectrofluorimeter
General Information
Technique
Key Instrumentation
Varian Cary Eclipse spectrofluorimeterThe spectrofluorimeter available at the University of Milano‑Bicocca unit is a Varian Eclipse system designed for high‑sensitivity fluorescence measurements in liquid solutions. It enables the acquisition of excitation and emission spectra of a wide range of fluorophores, supporting routine analyses as well as advanced studies in photophysics, supramolecular chemistry, and bioanalytical applications. The instrument operates with a xenon flash lamp that provides intense, short‑duration excitation pulses, ensuring high signal‑to‑noise ratios and minimizing photobleaching of sensitive samples. Its optical configuration allows rapid scanning across the UV–visible range, enabling kinetic measurements and time‑dependent fluorescence studies. The system supports multiple acquisition modes, including fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, and bioluminescence, offering flexibility for diverse research needs. Temperature‑controlled cuvette holders allow measurements under variable thermal conditions, facilitating studies of thermally activated processes, molecular stability, and conformational changes. The spectrofluorimeter is equipped with software for spectral correction, baseline subtraction, and quantitative analysis, ensuring accurate and reproducible data processing. Accessories such as fiber‑optic probes and solid‑sample holders extend its applicability to heterogeneous materials and in‑situ measurements. Overall, the Varian Eclipse fluorimeter provides a robust and versatile platform for researchers and industrial users requiring precise characterization of fluorescence properties in solution and complex matrices.

Technical description
The spectrofluorimeter at the University of Milano‑Bicocca unit is a high‑sensitivity system designed for precise characterization of fluorescence and phosphorescence in liquid samples. It operates with an 80 Hz xenon flash lamp that provides intense, short excitation pulses, enabling high signal‑to‑noise measurements while minimizing photobleaching of delicate fluorophores. The instrument covers an excitation and emission range from 200 to 900 nm, allowing the study of a wide variety of chromophores, including UV‑active species, organic dyes, biomolecules, and coordination compounds. The system supports the acquisition of excitation and emission spectra, synchronous scans, and time‑resolved phosphorescence measurements, enabling the determination of lifetimes and excited‑state dynamics. A temperature‑controlled sample holder allows programmable thermal ramps, making it possible to investigate thermally induced structural changes, aggregation phenomena, and stability profiles. The optical configuration ensures low stray light and high spectral resolution, while dedicated software provides tools for baseline correction, spectral deconvolution, and quantitative analysis. Accessories such as variable‑path cuvette holders and optional fiber‑optic probes extend the instrument’s applicability to heterogeneous samples and in‑situ measurements.
Research areas and applications
Fluorescence spectrum measurements of organic molecules and biomolecules
Science highlights
Experimental team
- Giuseppe Chirico
- University of Milano Bicocca
- Professor
- Maddalena Collini
- University of Milano Bicocca
- Professor
- Laura D’Alfonso
- University of Milano Bicocca
- Professor
- Laura Sironi
- University of Milano Bicocca
