Fluorescence spectrophotometer with a double monochromatic system of continuous sweeping, based on a xenon pulsating lamp

• Grant number: 00/13112-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: August 01, 2001
• End date: October 31, 2004
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Lidio Kazuo Takayama
• Grantee: Lidio Kazuo Takayama
• Company: Femto Indústria e Comércio de Instrumentos Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

In keeping with the world wide trend, the use of the spectrophotometer in Brazil has been growing in volume and importance in the pharmaceutical industry, molecular biology laboratories, environmental control, limnology and the food industry, following on the heels of a worldwide trend. It also can be applied in medicine for hormonal analysis and the demarcation of cancer, in the petrochemical industry and in the analyses by chemo-luminescence and bio-luminescence. Femto’s objectives in this project are: 1) the development of a fluorescence spectrophotometer with double monochromatic system of continuous sweep, based on a xenon pulsating lamp; 2) knowledge and use of the program Optical Design Software ZEMAX -EE(ID) to be applied in the calculation and the optical project; 3) development of a high speed acquisition system with the resolution of 12 bits or better, with a conversion index less than or equal to 20 ms.; 4) compensation of the signal by means of the reference beam and synchronization through the xenon lamp. Temporization of the A/D converter should be carried out preferably by the micro-controller 8031, and if this is not possible it will be necessary to develop an alternative system; 5) development of software in high level language (Delphi); implementation of methods: PC-type Microcomputer based on a 32-bit operating system (Windows 95/98 or above). The potential national market for fluorescence spectrophotometers with the characteristics described above is estimated by the company to be around 40 units per year, which equates to R$ 2.4 million. (AU)