The Cary Eclipse—provides sensitivity and accuracy where you need it

Importance of the Topic

Fluorescence spectroscopy underpins a wide range of applications in life sciences, biotechnology, environmental monitoring and material analysis. High sensitivity across the ultraviolet and visible spectrum is essential for detecting fluorophores spanning from intrinsic amino acids to modern quantum dots. Reliable measurement technology that minimizes sample degradation and reduces maintenance demands is critical for routine laboratory workflows.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work presents the performance advantages of the Agilent Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer, powered by a xenon flashlamp. It highlights sensitivity improvements beyond the traditional ultraviolet region, evaluates photodegradation suppression and demonstrates how extended lamp life and robust design streamline analytical tasks.

Used Instrumentation

The key instrument is the Agilent Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer equipped with a xenon flashlamp source. Excitation and emission detection cover the range from 200 to 900 nm, enabling measurement of common fluorophores such as tryptophan, fluorescein, rhodamine and advanced labels including quantum dots and near-infrared dyes.

Methodology

Sensitivity was assessed by measuring Raman bands of water at excitation wavelengths of 350 nm and 500 nm. Emission performance was evaluated for a series of standard fluorophores across the visible and near-infrared region. Photostability tests compared signal integrity under continuous xenon flashlamp excitation versus conventional continuous-wave lamp sources.

Main Results and Discussion

Results demonstrate exceptional sensitivity at Ex500/Em602 nm, outperforming UV-optimized systems without sacrificing performance at Ex350/Em400 nm for amino acid analysis. The xenon flashlamp design virtually eliminates photodegradation, preserving fluorophore integrity during prolonged measurements. Raman band intensity and background stability confirm reliable signal detection across the full spectral range.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Cary Eclipse instrument delivers clear advantages:

• Extended 10-year lamp lifetime reduces downtime and replacement costs
• Zero warm-up operation allows immediate data acquisition
• Open-cover design simplifies sample access and enhances lab safety
• Flexible measurement modes support fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence and time-resolved assays

These features translate into faster workflows, lower operational expenses and improved reliability for applications in academia, QA/QC, energy research and food testing.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in spectral probes and time-resolved techniques will drive demand for broad-band excitation sources with minimal photodamage. Integration with microplate formats, high-throughput screening and AI-enabled data analysis will expand the role of xenon-based spectrofluorometers. Emerging fields such as single-particle and intracellular fluorescence imaging may also benefit from this technology.

Conclusion

The Agilent Cary Eclipse spectrofluorometer with xenon flashlamp offers superior sensitivity, robust photostability and extended lamp life. Its versatile configuration and user-friendly design make it a reliable choice for diverse fluorescence and luminescence analyses, delivering high-quality data with minimal maintenance.

References

• Agilent Technologies 2012 Application Note 5990-7791EN Elimination of Photodegradation with Xenon Flashlamp
• Agilent Technologies 2016 Publication 5991-6740EN Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrophotometer March 15 2016