IndiGo fluo UVA: a fluorescence spectrometer with UVA LED excitation

The IndiGo Fluo UVA is a portable molecular fluorescence spectrometer combining the handheld mobility of the IndiGo platform with an excitation array of 4 × UVA LEDs at 365 nm (100 mW). Engineered to bring laboratory-grade optical analysis directly to the field, workshops, or inline inspection benches, this instrument instantly acquires fluorescence emission spectra from 380 nm to 780 nm.

Designed natively for direct surface measurement of solids and fully adaptable to liquid and powder samples via dedicated sampling holders, the optical excitation module is 100% interchangeable on the standard IndiGo UV-Vis optical core. Controlled via SpectroLab software, it features precise current regulation from 1% to 100% for full control over photon flux.

Optical Architecture & 365 nm UVA Excitation Key Features

• High-intensity excitation array (4 × UVA LEDs at 365 nm): delivers an overall optical output power of 100 mW (100 mA nominal current). The pulsed emission is dynamically adjustable from 1% to 100% via SpectroLab software to match the quantum yield of the sample and prevent photobleaching.
• Dual-stage precision optical filtering:
  • Spectral collection (Standard): built-in Long-Pass (LP) 385 nm edge filter at the spectrometer entrance slit, rejecting excitation backscatter to isolate the useful fluorescence spectrum from 380 to 780 nm.
  • Excitation purity (Option): integrated Short-Pass (SP) 395 nm clean-up filters mounted in front of the LEDs to suppress any residual visible emission tail.
• Configurable optical resolution:
  • 25 µm slit (Standard): high optical resolution < 1.5 nm for resolving narrow emission peaks and multiplets.
  • 70 µm slit: resolution < 5.0 nm (optimal balance between throughput and spectral resolution for routine analysis).
  • 150 µm slit: resolution < 10 nm (maximum optical throughput for trace-level fluorophore detection).
• CMOS detector options:
  • ON Semi MT9M001: standard, robust, and cost-effective sensor for general screening, QA/QC, and educational applications.
  • Sony IMX334 monochrome: high-resolution 2D CMOS sensor offering ultra-low readout noise and wide dynamic range for low-light research applications.
• Modular IndiGo platform: the 365 nm UVA optical head mounts and unmounts in seconds without tools. It is fully swappable with UVA UVB, UVA UVC, or Raman and Fluo laser heads.

Optical Safety by Design (60° Emission Cone)

The IndiGo Fluo UVA leverages non-coherent LED illumination for safe, straightforward handling on the go:

• 60° beam divergence: emission occurs across a wide, uncollimated 60° cone. Surface power density (irradiance in W/cm²) drops off sharply with distance from the aperture.
• Contact measurement: placed directly against solid surfaces or identity documents, the optical head shields and contains the UV flux during acquisition.
• Safe handling: unlike laser systems, no heavy interlocking enclosure is required. Standard laboratory precautions apply: avoid staring directly into the optical aperture during operation, and use standard UV-blocking safety eyewear when operating open-beam setups.

Sampling Modularity: Solids, Liquids & Powders

Engineered for direct non-destructive solid surface inspection, the IndiGo Fluo UVA adapts to various sample formats via interchangeable holders:

• Direct solid-contact head: non-invasive testing of security paper, banknotes, coated parts, artwork, and plastics.
• Standard cuvette holder: accommodates standard 10 × 10 mm cuvettes (quartz, glass, or PMMA) for liquid assaying.
• Vial and powder holders: compatible with Ø 10 mm borosilicate vials and sample cups for compressed powders, pills, or granular materials.

Key Applications & Analytical Fields

UVA excitation at 365 nm provides an established, non-destructive benchmark for molecular fluorescence identification:

• Anti-counterfeiting, document security & traceability:
  • Banknotes & passports: spectral fingerprinting of fluorescent security inks, luminescent fibers, and embedded threads invisible under ambient light.
  • Brand protection & luxury packaging: rapid on-site verification of proprietary fluorescent varnishes, labels, and anti-diversion taggants.
• Forensics & crime scene investigation (CSI):
  • Biological fluids: on-site detection and spectral differentiation of body fluids (saliva, urine, semen) via natural autofluorescence without compromising downstream DNA sampling.
  • Questioned document examination: uncovering alterations, overwriting, and mechanical erasures based on spectral ink discrepancies.
• Agri-food, environmental & life sciences:
  • Vegetable oils & fats: distinguishing extra virgin olive oils from adulterated grades using chlorophyll and secondary oxidation fluorophore ratios.
  • Water monitoring: screening for trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), detergent residues, and dissolved organic matter (DOM).
  • Food freshness: monitoring surface oxidation indicators and vitamin degradation across meat, fish, and dairy products.
• Field gemology & mineralogy:
  • Gem identification: Long-Wave (LW) photoluminescence to identify natural vs. synthetic diamonds (HPHT/CVD) and spot resin fills or thermal treatments.

Technical Specifications

SpectroLab Software Ecosystem & Quantitative Analysis

• SpectroLab (Included, free, unlimited license): Windows application for integration time tuning, LED current regulation (1% to 100%), background subtraction, peak area integration, and standard data export formats (.xlsx, .csv, .txt, .spc).
• Android application (Field mobility): Bluetooth connectivity turning the IndiGo into a point-and-shoot field diagnostic tool with GPS location stamping and timestamped data storage.
• Expert / Capture chemometrics suite (Option): multivariate classification (PCA) for automated spectral matching and PLS regression for quantitative fluorophore concentration modeling in complex matrices.

💡 OEM Integration & Custom Configurations

Looking to integrate a 365 nm UVA fluorescence head into an automated sorting line, robotic inspection station, or specific process setup? GoyaLab delivers OEM optical cores and manufactures custom sample holders tailored to exact client specifications.

👉 Contact our application engineering team to evaluate your project or request a quote

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