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LP980

Transient Absorption Spectrometer

A turn-key spectrometer for nanosecond transient absorption, the LP980 makes fast and accurate transient spectra and lifetimes accessible to any user.

LP980

Transient Absorption Spectrometer

  • All-in-One spectrometer: Transient Absorption and Laser-Induced Fluorescence
  • Transients can be measured up to 2.55 µm: to cover a wide range of samples and sample types
  • Integrated ICCD: Transient spectra is measured within one laser flash
  • Advanced Software: Complete control of all components and measurements

Live Video Demonstration

Send us your samples, and we can measure them live in an online demonstration

Contact us to arrange an online demonstration

Accurate Kinetics

Over 9 orders of magnitude, from nanoseconds to seconds

Wide Spectral Range

Measure transient lifetimes and spectra from the UV to NIR range (200 nm – 2550 nm)

Advanced Accessories

Software-controlled cryostats, stopped flow kinetics, diffuse reflectance, and more

Multiple Detectors

Configure the LP980 according to your spectral and time resolution needs

High Sensitivity

Detection limit of ΔOD 0.002 (kinetic) and ΔOD 0.0005 (spectral)

Multi-Technique

All your experiments in one instrument: Spectra, Lifetime, Absorption, Fluorescence
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

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The LP980 Transient Absorption Spectrometer sets the benchmark in transient absorption research, becoming the go-to instrument for a wide array of photochemical, physical, and biological applications.

As the first of its kind on the market, the LP980 enables precise measurement of transient absorption (TA), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), and phosphorescence up to 2.55 µm, with time scales ranging from nanoseconds to seconds. Its dual monochromator/spectrograph design allows for both spectral and kinetic acquisitions in one device, saving you both time and cost.

Available in two models—LP980-K (kinetic PMT detector) and LP980-KS (kinetic PMT and spectral ICCD detector)—the LP980 can be customised with various pump lasers, probe sources, sample holders, and detectors to perfectly match your research needs. Our technical sales team is ready to help you configure the ideal setup for your experiments.

With the intuitive L900® software package, data acquisition is straightforward, and comprehensive analysis tools like ΔOD calculations and multi-component decay fitting are included, eliminating the need for additional software.

PRODUCT VIDEO

PRODUCT DETAILS

SOFTWARE

The L900 software package streamlines every aspect of the LP980, from parameter optimisation and data acquisition to analysis and control of third-party accessories. With everything integrated into a single, user-friendly platform, there’s no need for additional upgrades.

Figure 1: L900 software interface

Before measurement, users can preview and optimize signal intensity, significantly reducing experimental time. The software offers comprehensive spectral calibration, automatic subtraction of camera dark noise, and generates automated maps of time, wavelength, and temperature when paired with the relevant accessories. Decay fitting and other analysis features are also built-in.

For advanced transient absorption curve fitting, the FLASH software package is available.

MEASUREMENT EXAMPLES

Kinetic Transient Absorption
Kinetic Laser Induced Fluorescence
Spectral Transient Absorption
Spectral Laser Induced Fluorescence
Kinetic Transient Absorption
Triplet State Lifetimes 

Nanosecond TA is an ideal technique for probing the kinetics of triplet states generated by a laser pulse. A key application is the characterisation of photosensitisers for catalysis or photodynamic therapy. 

In Figure 1, the TA decay of anthracene is measured in LP980 at different laser energies. Higher laser energies increase the concentration of triplet states, resulting in quenching by triplet-triplet annihilation which leads to a reduced lifetime. 

Absorption kinetics of the triplet state of anthracene in cyclohexane measured using different laser energies, shown in different colours

Figure 1: TA decay of anthracene

Figure 2 shows the absorption kinetics of the triplet state of anthracene in cyclohexane measured at 423 nm at three pump laser energies: Epump = 50 mJ (blue), Epump = 10 mJ (red), Epump = 1 mJ (green). Normalised ΔOD traces (bottom) illustrate how the lifetime decreases as pump energy increases. 

Normalised ΔOD traces illustrate how the lifetime decreases as pump energy increases

Figure 2: Absorption kinetics of the triplet state of anthracene

 

Kinetic Laser Induced Fluorescence
Singlet Oxygen Phosphorescence Lifetime 

The LP980 can routinely measure laser-induced fluorescence using the standard PMT detector or InGaAs analogue infrared detector. Detection of singlet oxygen by luminescence, however, requires a highly sensitive NIR PMT and photon-counting electronics (multichannel scaling, or MCS). The LP980 can be equipped with such an upgrade, which removes the need for a second spectrometer for singlet oxygen detection. 

NIR phosphorescence decay from 1O2 acquired in LP980

Figure 1: NIR phosphorescence decay from 1O2 acquired in LP980 exciting rose Bengal with 532 nm Nd:YAG laser pulses (laser scatter subtracted from the data) and MCS detection. The exponential fit result is shown in the graph. 

Spectral Transient Absorption
Excited State Absorption and Ground State Depletion Spectra 

The ICCD spectral detector provides the full TA spectrum at a user-set delay after the pump pulse. Although the same information can be obtained with the standard PMT (kinetic) detector, the ICCD offers faster results minimising lab time and sample exposure to the pump and probe light. Therefore, it is particularly recommended for light-sensitive samples. 

A typical TA spectrum shows positive bands from absorption of photogenerated excited states, and negative bands from ground state bleaching and laser-induced fluorescence. The spectral acquisition can be mapped as a function of time to observe the temporal evolution of each transient, as shown in the example below. 

TA spectrum of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ in water as a function of time

Figure 1: TA spectrum of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ in water as a function of time after 355 nm laser excitation. Transient absorption, ground state depletion, and fluorescence bands indicated in the graph. 

Spectral Laser Induced Fluorescence
Low-Temperature Phosphorescence Spectra 

Laser-induced fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra are readily acquired with the ICCD detector in the LP980 spectrometer. In the example below, a software-controlled cryostat accessory was used to cool a sample down to 77 K, increasing the intensity of phosphorescence. A map of the emission spectrum as a function of time, automatically acquired in the software, reveals the timescale of the luminescence decay. 

LIF spectra from benzophenone in 4:1 ethanol/methanol at 77 K in cryostat and at room temperature

Figure 1: LIF spectra from benzophenone in 4:1 ethanol/methanol at 77 K in cryostat and at room temperature (red curve) acquired with the ICCD camera. Delays between pump pulse and ICCD acquisition indicated in the graph. 

Options and Upgrades

Spectral Mode Detection
Sample Holder Options
Temperature Control Options
Spectral Range Upgrades
Spectral Mode Detection
Intensified Charge-Coupled Device (ICCD) Camera 

The generation of spectra in kinetic mode by successive measurement at different wavelengths requires many excitation flashes. This can be problematic due to photo-degradation of the sample over time. This can be overcome by upgrading to spectral mode and fitting an ICCD onto the instrument, converting an LP980-K into an LP980-KS. 

ICCD detector

The ICCD detector has a high dynamic range, 7 ns temporal resolution, and is controlled by the L900 software. 

Sample Holder Options
Cross-Beam Geometry 

Standard sample holder of the LP980. Laser beam and probe beam intersect perpendicular at the sample position. 

Cross-Beam sample holder Cross Beam Path

Diffuse Reflectance 

Suitable for opaque and highly scattering powders, solids and suspensions. 

Diffuse Reflectance Holder Diffuse Reflectance Path

Quasi-Collinear Holder 

Maximises overlap between pump and probe increasing transient absorption signal. 

Quasi-Collinear Path

Film Sample Holder 

Films are mounted vertically at an angle from the pump and probe beams. Features control of X,Y position and rotational angle for maximum alignment flexibility. 

Film Holder Film Path

 LIF Sample holder 

Fits standard cuvettes and is placed near the detection monochromator, for enhanced fluorescence collection compared to the standard TA holder. 

LIF Sample Holder

Temperature Control Options
TE Cooled Sample Holder 

Transient absorption sample holder with TE control by the L900 software. Options from -50 oC to +150 oC are available. 

Liquid Nitrogen Dewar 

Low-cost option for cryogenic measurements of liquids and powders at 77 K. 

Liquid Nitrogen Dewer

Software-Controlled Cryostats 

Liquid N2 or He cryostats are mounted in the TA sample position and easily exchanged for other holders. They are fully controlled from the software enabling the creation of automated temperature maps. 

Cryostat

 

Spectral Range Upgrades
Visible PMT Detectors 

The standard kinetic detector in LP980 covers the range of 200 nm – 980 nm. This can be replaced by a PMT980 (200 nm – 980 nm) or PMT1010 (200 nm – 1010 nm) detector for TA extending further into the NIR. 

NIR Detector Options 

A range of analogue InGaAs detectors are available to cover the range of 900 nm – 2550 nm (LIF-only detection between 2050 nm and 2550 nm). 

For weak laser-induced fluorescence signals in the NIR, a photon-counting NIT PMT and MCS electronics upgrade is recommended. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Base Configuration
LP980-K (Kinetic Mode)
LP980-KS (Kinetic and Spectral Mode)
Upgrade Options
Base Configuration
LP980 Base ConfigurationSpecification
MonochromatorCzerny-Turner with triple grating turret, 325 mm focal length, 25 µm to 10 mm computer-controlled (continuously adjustable) motorised slits
Laser Excitation SourceFlashlamp pumped Q-switched Nd:Yag laser operating at 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm or 266 nm. OPO, tuneable in the range 410 nm - 710 nm (signal). Idler and UV doubler options possible
Sample GeometryTransverse sample excitation geometry included as standard
LP980-K (Kinetic Mode)
LP980-K (Kinetic Mode) - for lifetime transient decay measurements at a single wavelengthSpecification
GratingPlane ruled grating, 1800 g/mm, 500 nm blaze as standard
Dispersion1.8 nm/mm
Spectral Range200 nm - 870 nm
Spectral Resolution0.1 nm
SensitivityΔOD 0.002 (single shot - fast detector option, PMT), ΔOD 0.0005 (single shot - slow detector option, ICCD)
Detector TypePhotomulitplier (PMT) with 5 stage dynode chain for high current linearity
Detector Impedance50 Ω (amplified - fast detector, <3 ns rise time), 1 kΩ (slow detector, <100 µs rise time)
LP980-KS (Kinetic and Spectral Mode)
LP980-KS (Kinetic & Spectral Mode) - for lifetime transient decay measurements AND spectral measurements of the decay processSpecification
GratingKinetic mode grating plus an additional plane ruled grating: 150 g/mm, 500 nm blaze supplied
Dispersion21.6 nm/mm
Spectral Coverage540 nm (active horizontal ICCD dimension: 25 mm)
Spectral Resolution0.56 nm (spectral coverage / 960 pixels)
SensitivityΔOD 0.0005 single shot
DetectorsKinetic mode PMT plus an additional image intesified CCD camera (ICCD) supplied
Min. Optical Gate Width7 ns (FWHM)
Active Pixels960 x 256
Active Area25 mm x 6.7 mm
Cooling-20°C as standard (-35°C with additional water circulation)
Upgrade Options
LP980 Upgrade OptionsSpecification
GratingsA variety of gratings with 150 g/mm - 2400 g/mm, optimised from UV through to NIR
Sample HoldersCross-beam geometry, diffuse reflectance, thin-film accessory
DetectorsInGaAs detectors (900 nm - 2550 nm) for NIR range are available

PRODUCT BROCHURE

APPLICATION NOTES

  • Transient Absorption and Singlet Oxygen Phosphorescence of Rose Bengal Photosensitiser
  • Temperature Dependent Triplet States of Benzophenone; Spectral and Lifetime Measurements Utilising Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
  • Kinetics of Photocatalysis Reactions Studied by Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
All Application Notes

DOWNLOADS

  • LP980 Transient Absorption Spectrometer Brochure
  • LP980 Transient Absorption Spectrometer Data Sheet
  • Absorption Product Overview
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