Starna References for Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Measurements by fluorescence spectroscopy are subject to many more instrumental and physical variables than absorption measurements. Due to these effects, the same sample may not give identical results with different instruments even if they are of similar design. Physical effects such as quenching or self-absorption may lead to departures from expected concentration/emission relationships over quite narrow concentration ranges. For these reasons it may be impossible to produce universal “absolute” reference materials, as certified values may be instrument dependent. Provided homogeneity and stability can be established, however, reference materials can be produced that allow users to monitor the performance of a spectrofluorometer and make inter-instrument and inter-laboratory comparisons. Starna fluorescence references are produced in an ISO17034 accredited production facility and calibrated in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration laboratory. Several of these references are cited in USP Chapter <853> for spectrofluorometer qualification.

Quinine Sulfate References -Spectral Response and Linearity

One of the first reference materials developed for fluorescence spectroscopy. Equivalent to NIST SRM 936a and cited in USP <853 >.

High Purity Water Reference- Sensitivity & Signal to Noise Ratio

Used to determine the Signal to Noise Ratio of a spectrofluorometer near its limit of detection and hence indicate its ultimate sensitivity. USP <853 > cited reference.

Starna SF Series Doped Polymer References - Spectral Response Qualification

Five polymer blocks containing stable organic fluorophores. Excitation range 280 to 700 nm and emission range 380 to 770 nm

Starna 6BF Series Doped Polymer References -Wavelength Validation and Performance Check

Six polymer blocks containing seven organic fluorophores. Excitation range 260 to 600 nm and emission range 370 to 670 nm.

Starna Europium III Reference - Phosphorescence Decay Rate and Fluorescence Lifetime

Polymer block doped with Europium III. Decay rate and phosphorescence lifetime certified for gate times of 50 μS and 2 μS.

Rhodamine Solution Cell - Quantum Counter

Used by instrument manufacturers to determine spectral response factors to calculate ‘corrected’ fluorescence spectra. Designed to provide unity quantum conversion,

Rhodamine in Ethanol Cell - Quantum Yield Reference

Quantum yield 1.0 at 25°C. Blank-corrected absorbance of this solution is below the level recommended in the literature to avoid internal filter effects.

Starna Rare Earth Solution Cells -Spectrofluorometer Wavelength Qualification

Cited in USP Chapter <853> for spectrofluorometer wavelength qualification.

Doped Glass Microplate References - Microplate Fluorometer Qualification

For qualification of fluorescence-based plate readers. 96-well microplates containing inorganic fluorescent reference materials in a glass matrix. Formerly supplied by Matech, USA.

Technique

UV-VIS References

Visible References