Hamamatsu C13534-12 Quantaurus-QY Plus UV-NIR Absolute Quantum Yield Measurement System

Overview

The Hamamatsu C13534-12 Quantaurus-QY Plus is a high-precision, modular absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) measurement system engineered for rigorous characterization of luminescent materials across the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectral range (200–1100 nm). Unlike relative quantum yield methods requiring reference standards, this system implements an integrating sphere-based absolute measurement architecture compliant with ASTM E1948 and ISO 11622 standards. It operates on the principle of comparative photon flux analysis: simultaneous detection of excitation source intensity and total emitted luminescence within a spectrally calibrated, baffle-free 150 mm PTFE-coated integrating sphere. The core optical path integrates a high-stability xenon arc lamp or optional tunable monochromator-based excitation source, coupled with a back-illuminated, deep-depletion CCD spectrometer offering >95% quantum efficiency at 600 nm and sub-0.1 nm wavelength reproducibility. This configuration enables traceable, calibration-free absolute PLQY determination—critical for R&D validation of phosphors, perovskite emitters, organic LEDs (OLEDs), quantum dots, and upconversion nanomaterials where conventional steady-state systems suffer from low signal-to-noise in NIR regions.

Key Features

• Modular detector architecture supporting interchangeable spectrometer modules: standard UV-NIR CCD (200–1100 nm), extended NIR InGaAs option (900–1700 nm), and optional time-resolved TCSPC add-on for lifetime-correlated quantum yield analysis.
• Integrated dual-channel optical path: one channel monitors excitation irradiance in real time using a calibrated reference photodiode; the second captures full-emission spectrum via fiber-coupled spectrometer—eliminating sequential measurement errors.
• Automated sphere shutter and spectral correction routines compliant with JIS Z 8725 and CIE Publication 127:2007 for spatial uniformity correction and stray-light suppression.
• Thermoelectrically stabilized sample stage (±0.1 °C) with optional cryogenic adapter (77 K–473 K) for temperature-dependent quantum yield mapping.
• Rugged, vibration-damped optical bench housed in a light-tight enclosure with EMI-shielded electronics—designed for stable operation in shared laboratory environments without dedicated darkrooms.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C13534-12 accommodates solid powders (pelletized or dispersed in polymer matrix), thin films (glass/quartz substrates ≤ 1 mm thickness), solutions (in quartz cuvettes with 10 mm path length), and micro-patterned emissive layers. Sample positioning is motorized and repeatable to ±5 µm, ensuring consistent illumination geometry. All optical calibrations are NIST-traceable via Hamamatsu’s certified reference standards (e.g., BaSO₄ reflectance standard SRM 2036, certified quantum yield reference dye solutions). The system meets GLP audit requirements through full electronic lab notebook (ELN) integration, 21 CFR Part 11–compliant user access control, and immutable audit trails for calibration events, measurement parameters, and raw spectral data.

Software & Data Management

Quantaurus Analysis Suite v4.2 provides intuitive workflow-driven operation: automated wavelength calibration, background subtraction, sphere efficiency correction, and absolute photon flux conversion. Raw spectra are stored in HDF5 format with embedded metadata (excitation wavelength, integration time, temperature, instrument configuration). Batch processing supports statistical analysis across sample sets—including uncertainty propagation per GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement). Export options include CSV, ASCII, and ASTM E2912-compliant XML for LIMS integration. Remote monitoring and secure data export are enabled via TLS 1.2–encrypted HTTP API, compatible with enterprise IT infrastructure.

Applications

• Development and qualification of down-conversion phosphors for solid-state lighting (SSL) and display backlighting—validating >99% PLQY claims under industrial-grade excitation conditions.
• Characterization of rare-earth-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in biological imaging: resolving weak 800 nm emission under 980 nm excitation with <0.5% relative standard deviation.
• QC testing of OLED emitter layers in production environments—correlating batch-to-batch PLQY variation with device EQE performance.
• Fundamental photophysics studies: measuring temperature- and concentration-dependent non-radiative decay pathways in metal-halide perovskites.
• Regulatory submission support for FDA IND applications involving novel luminescent contrast agents—providing auditable, standards-aligned quantum yield datasets.

FAQ

What excitation sources are supported?
Standard configuration includes a 75 W xenon arc lamp with integrated UV-enhancing optics; optional upgrades include monochromator-coupled lasers (375–1064 nm) and pulsed LED drivers for time-resolved mode.
Can the system measure quantum yield below 1%?
Yes—detection limit is 0.08% PLQY (at 650 nm, 1 s integration, 1 mW excitation) due to ultra-low dark current (<0.002 e⁻/pixel/s) and optimized sphere throughput.
Is spectral calibration performed in-house or by the user?
Factory-performed NIST-traceable calibration is included; users perform routine verification using supplied Hg/Ar emission line standards before each measurement session.
Does the software support automated pass/fail criteria for QC workflows?
Yes—customizable acceptance thresholds, statistical process control (SPC) charts, and automatic report generation (PDF/Excel) are embedded in the QC module.
What maintenance is required annually?
Annual recalibration of integrating sphere reflectance and spectrometer wavelength/efficiency response—performed by Hamamatsu-certified service engineers with full certification documentation.