Fluorescence spectroscopy

Affordable Multispectral Spectrofluorometer

An open-source instrument in development for comparing fluorescence emission from quantum dots, fluorescent dyes, and other samples without relying on a conventional laboratory fluorometer.

In development Project 01 Pre-release documentation
Fluorescent samples under controlled optical excitation.
Fluorescence imaging shown as scientific context. Final device photography will be added after prototype release.
Primary field
Materials science, chemistry, and optics
Measurement
Relative multispectral fluorescence emission
Intended users
Students, educators, and early-stage researchers
Release state
Prototype architecture in development

Overview

Lowering the barrier to fluorescence measurement

The Affordable Multispectral Spectrofluorometer is Koinos Lab's flagship instrument project. It explores how much useful fluorescence-measurement capability can be reproduced using accessible optical components, open-source electronics, and a light-controlled enclosure.

The first application is the comparison of fluorescence emission from CdSe quantum-dot samples. The broader goal is an educational platform for investigating emission wavelength, fluorescent dyes, nanomaterials, and optical spectroscopy.

Development note

This page documents the intended architecture and release standard. Final dimensions, component models, files, performance limits, and cost will be published only after prototype validation.

Purpose / What it does

Measure meaningful differences in fluorescence emission

The instrument is intended to excite a sample with controlled ultraviolet light, isolate emitted fluorescence from excitation light, and record relative intensity across multiple optical bands. The resulting profile can support comparisons among samples without claiming the full resolution of a research-grade scanning spectrofluorometer.

  • Compare relative emission profiles from multiple fluorescent samples.
  • Investigate how quantum-dot size relates to observed emission characteristics.
  • Introduce excitation, emission, filtering, calibration, and measurement uncertainty.
  • Provide a reproducible platform for classroom and independent laboratory activities.

How it works

From controlled excitation to a digital emission profile

  1. 01

    Excite

    A controlled UV source illuminates the sample inside a light-restricted enclosure.

  2. 02

    Separate

    Optical geometry and filtering reduce direct excitation light reaching the detector.

  3. 03

    Detect

    A multispectral optical sensor samples relative intensity across available wavelength bands.

  4. 04

    Process

    A microcontroller applies dark-reference and calibration corrections to the raw readings.

  5. 05

    Report

    Measurements are displayed locally and prepared for export to analysis software.

Specifications

Target system architecture

Parameter Current target Release status
Excitation Controlled ultraviolet LED source Component selection pending
Detection Multispectral optical sensor Architecture selected
Optical isolation Filtered, enclosed measurement path Prototype testing required
Sample interface Repeatable removable sample holder Mechanical design pending
Data acquisition Microcontroller-based acquisition and local processing Firmware in development
Output Local display and digital data export Interface definition pending
Enclosure 3D-printed, light-controlled optical enclosure CAD in development

Components / Bill of Materials

Subsystem-level BOM

Exact manufacturer part numbers, quantities, alternatives, suppliers, and verified cost will be released after the prototype design is frozen.

Subsystem Required elements Status
Excitation UV LED, driver, thermal management, optical mount Selection in progress
Detection Multispectral sensor, optical filter, detector mount Prototype stage
Electronics Microcontroller, power regulation, controls, display, connectors Architecture stage
Mechanical Optical enclosure, sample holder, fasteners, light seals CAD pending
Calibration Dark reference, stable fluorescent references, measurement fixtures Protocol pending

Blueprints / CAD

Mechanical source files

Editable CAD for the optical enclosure, sensor mount, excitation module, sample holder, and assembly will be released after the first validated mechanical revision.

Editable CAD package Not yet released

STL Files

Fabrication-ready exports

Print-oriented STL exports will include documented orientation, support, material, and tolerance guidance. Files will not be published until fit and light-isolation checks are complete.

STL fabrication package Not yet released

Wiring / Electronics

Planned electronic architecture

The electronics connect the excitation source, multispectral detector, microcontroller, local controls, display, and data interface. The released schematic will document voltage domains, connector pinouts, grounding, current limits, and safe LED control.

  • Regulated power input with documented protection and polarity.
  • Microcontroller interface to the multispectral sensor.
  • Current-controlled switching for the UV excitation source.
  • Local display, user controls, and data-export connection.
Schematic and wiring diagram Draft in progress

Assembly Instructions

Planned reproducible build sequence

  1. Fabricate and inspect the enclosure and optical mounts.
  2. Assemble the regulated power and control electronics.
  3. Mount the detector, filter, excitation source, and sample interface.
  4. Complete wiring checks before energizing the UV source.
  5. Install firmware and verify sensor communication.
  6. Seal the optical path and run dark-reference tests.
  7. Complete calibration and validation before sample analysis.

Final step-by-step photographs, tools, tolerances, and acceptance checks will accompany the first released hardware revision.

Code / Firmware

Acquisition, correction, and export

The planned open-source software package will separate instrument control from data analysis.

Firmware

Sensor acquisition, excitation timing, controls, display, and data transfer.

Processing

Dark-reference subtraction, calibration factors, quality checks, and structured export.

Analysis

Visualization, sample comparison, metadata capture, and educational workflows.

Source-code repository Not yet public

Calibration

Calibration before interpretation

Calibration will be designed to make repeated measurements comparable and to reveal the limits of the multispectral detector. The final procedure will identify required references, environmental conditions, acceptance limits, and recalibration intervals.

  1. Warm up the excitation and detection electronics under controlled conditions.
  2. Record dark readings with the excitation source disabled.
  3. Measure stable references using fixed sample geometry and timing.
  4. Calculate channel corrections and document residual variation.
  5. Verify the calibration against held-out reference measurements.

Testing & Validation

Evidence required before release

Test Question Current state
Repeatability Does the same sample produce consistent readings? Protocol planned
Reproducibility Do independently assembled units produce comparable results? Requires multiple builds
Linearity How does response change across a controlled concentration series? Protocol planned
Drift How stable are readings over time and temperature? Protocol planned
Comparison How closely do measurements align with a professional reference instrument? Partner access required

Experimental Data

Raw data will accompany every performance claim

Validation datasets will be published in machine-readable form with sample identifiers, acquisition settings, calibration version, environmental conditions, exclusions, and analysis scripts.

Raw validation dataset Data collection not started

Results

No validated performance results yet

Koinos Lab will not publish accuracy, precision, detection-limit, wavelength, or cost claims until the prototype has completed the documented validation process. Results will include both useful capabilities and measured limitations.

Safety Notes

UV exposure and sample handling require controls

  • Never operate the UV excitation source with the optical enclosure open.
  • Use interlocks or equivalent engineering controls in the released design.
  • Do not look directly into the excitation source or reflected UV light.
  • Follow applicable chemical handling and disposal procedures for every sample.
  • CdSe quantum dots may contain toxic cadmium; use only under qualified supervision and an approved safety protocol.
  • Verify wiring, polarity, current limits, insulation, and enclosure integrity before operation.

This pre-release page is not a substitute for a completed risk assessment or laboratory safety procedure.

Downloads / Resources

Release package

Bill of materialsPending design freeze
CAD and STL filesPending mechanical validation
Schematic and wiringDraft in progress
Firmware and analysis codeDevelopment in progress
Assembly manualPending prototype build
Calibration and validation dataPending testing

Related Publications

Technical reporting will follow validation

No project-specific publication is available yet. Design notes, calibration methods, uncertainty analysis, comparison experiments, and the final technical report will be linked here as they are released.

Visit Koinos Lab publications