Phosphorescence imaging system using an acousto-optic tunable filter and a charge-coupled device

We are reporting for the first time the development of an imaging spectrometer for solid-surface room temperature phosphorimetry based on an acousto-optic tunable filter. A HeCd laser was employed as the excitation source, and a cooled two-dimensional charge-coupled device was used as the detector. The spectral characterization and imaging capability of the new system were evaluated with two well known phosphorescent compounds. The phosphorescence emissions of pyrene and 1,2,3,4-dibenzanthracene adsorbed on chromatography paper treated for background reduction were investigated. Thallium(I) acetate was employed as a phosphorescence enhancer. Based on the performance of the proposed instrument, several potential applications are discussed.