IndiGo with laser induced fluorescence module

IndiGo Fluo 980 nm: Handheld upconversion spectrofluorometer

The IndiGo Fluo 980 nm is a breakthrough handheld fluorescence spectrometer engineered specifically for near-infrared (NIR) excitation and photon upconversion analysis. Powered by a high-intensity 980 nm laser diode, it allows users to excite samples in the infrared spectrum and detect the resulting Anti-Stokes visible emission (upconversion).

Combining a specialized Short-Pass (SP) optical filtering architecture to block laser scatter, interchangeable MPLAN microscope objectives, and Class 1 interlocked sampling enclosures, the IndiGo Fluo 980 nm brings complex benchtop upconversion fluorimetry directly into the field for advanced anti-counterfeiting, biotechnology, and materials science applications.

Optical architecture & 980 nm Laser excitation features

High-Power 980 nm Laser Diode: Delivers intense, continuous-wave (CW) near-infrared excitation perfectly tuned for the absorption cross-section of Ytterbium (Yb³⁺) and other rare-earth sensitizers. Laser power is dynamically adjustable via SpectroLab software.
Anti-Stokes Upconversion Detection: Unlike traditional fluorescence, upconversion materials absorb multiple NIR photons (980 nm) and emit higher-energy visible photons (e.g., green at 540 nm or red at 650 nm). The IndiGo is optimized to capture this unique shift.
Dedicated Short-Pass (SP) Filtering: Equipped with a steep Short-Pass collection filter at the spectrometer entrance slit. This ensures complete rejection of the 980 nm laser backscatter while allowing uninhibited transmission of the visible and near-infrared emission spectrum (from 380 nm to 850 nm).
Interchangeable MPLAN Focusing Objectives: Fitted as standard with a high-grade metallurgical MPLAN 10x objective. Easily swappable by the user to a 4x (wide-field macroscopic collection) or a 60x (micrometric spot size for maximum localized power density).
Tailored Spectral Resolution:
- 25 µm slit: Highest optical resolution < 1.5 nm for resolving ultra-narrow rare-earth emission multiplets.
- 70 µm slit (Standard): Resolution < 5.0 nm (optimal balance between optical throughput and spectral detail).
Strict Laser Safety Management: Since 980 nm radiation is strictly invisible and hazardous to the human eye, the module ensures Class 1 total eye safety when used with closed, physically interlocked GoyaLab sampling compartments.

Modular sampling: Liquids, powders & solids

To accommodate diverse sample matrices and geometric constraints, the IndiGo Fluo 980 nm interfaces with an interchangeable family of dedicated holders:

Powder and solid sample cups: The primary accessory for screening upconverting phosphors, raw rare-earth minerals, and security inks printed on paper or polymer substrates.
Spectroscopy cuvette holders: Accommodates standard 10 × 10 mm square cuvettes (quartz or glass) for colloidal suspensions of Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNPs).
Custom adaptations: In-house rapid prototyping of bespoke sample holders tailored to your specific quality control line or secure document format.

Key applications & Analytical horizons

Excitation at 980 nm unlocks highly specialized applications, primarily due to the complete absence of background autofluorescence under NIR illumination:

High-Security & Anti-Counterfeiting:
- Covert Taggants Authentication: Instant spectral verification of level-3 security inks containing Upconverting Phosphors (UCPs) printed on banknotes, tax stamps, passports, and luxury goods.
- Unique Spectral Fingerprinting: Resolving the exact visible emission ratios (e.g., Green/Red bands of Erbium) to authenticate proprietary taggant formulations.
Life Sciences & Biotechnology:
- Zero-Autofluorescence Assays: Biological tissues and fluids do not exhibit autofluorescence under 980 nm excitation, providing an exceptional Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for UCNP-labeled biomarkers.
- Deep Tissue Penetration: NIR light penetrates biological media deeper than UV or visible light, enabling advanced in-vitro diagnostics and targeted bio-imaging research.
Advanced Materials & Rare-Earths:
- Lanthanide Doping Optimization: Quality control of co-doped matrices (Yb³⁺/Er³⁺, Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺) in glass, ceramics, and nanomaterials used for solid-state lasers and photovoltaics.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Excitation light source	980 nm laser diode, continuous wave (CW)
Optical output power	Dynamically adjustable via SpectroLab software
Integrated optical filters	Dedicated Short-Pass (SP) collection filter (blocks 980 nm, transmits visible/NIR)
Spectral detection range	380 – 780 nm (optimized for visible Anti-Stokes emission)
Focusing objective	MPLAN 10x mounted standard (swappable to 4x or 60x)
Entrance slit & resolution (FWHM)	25 µm (< 1.5 nm) \| 70 µm standard (< 5 nm)
Detector options	Sony 2D CMOS IMX334 monochrome (high sensitivity) or MT9M001
Sampling modules (Holders)	Solid/powder presentation cups, cuvettes (10 × 10 mm), and custom document readers
Laser safety classification	Class 1 with interlocked closed holder / Class 3B in open-beam operation
Power supply & connectivity	Internal rechargeable Li-ion battery, wireless Bluetooth BLE, and USB-C port

SpectroLab Software Ecosystem & Chemometrics

SpectroLab (Included, free, unlimited license): Real-time 980 nm laser power modulation, live upconversion spectrum display, background dark subtraction, precise peak ratio calculations (e.g., Green/Red emission ratios), and direct data export (.xlsx, .csv, .txt, .spc).
Expert / Capture chemometrics suite (Option): Multivariate classification (PCA) for automated discrimination of counterfeit taggants, and PLS regression for quantitative UCNP dosage in complex biological or industrial matrices.

💡 Exploring Upconversion & Security Taggants?

Whether you are integrating UCNPs into secure inks, developing zero-autofluorescence biological assays, or needing a custom handheld document reader for field agents, GoyaLab is your optical engineering partner.

👉 Contact our application engineering team to evaluate your project