<title>Application of sub-ns pulsed LEDs in fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy</title>

Lifetime analysis of laser induced fluorescence by means of Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) provides a powerful discrimination method to distinguish molecules of interest from background and other species. This has made the technique extremely valuable for sensitive analysis down to the single molecule level. We have developed the first complete range of compact picosecond to nanosecond excitation sources for fluorescence lifetime measurements based on laser diodes and LEDs. Using a common driver with interchangeable LED and laser heads the system is adaptable to almost all of the needs for sensitive chemical and biochemical analysis. The sources provide pulse durations under one nanosecond and repetition rates up to 80 MHz. These features qualify them for use in fast TCSPC applications, in particular where short data acquisition time is crucial. The sources can be used in combination with common inexpensive single photon detectors such as Photomultiplier Tubes and Single Photon Avalanche Photodiodes. Compact, low cost and easy to use fluorescence lifetime spectrometers can be built from these sources together with integrated TCSPC electronics. We will demonstrate the performance of the sources and complete systems in terms of power, repetition rate, stability, IRF and fluorescence decay fit quality in various setups and with different fluorescent materials.