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Spectra-Physics Ti-sapphire regenerative amplifier laser system

Capabilities

FASTCHEM is powered by a Spectra-Physics Ti-sapphire regenerative amplifier laser system (Spitfire Ace, pumped by an Ascend 60 and seeded by a Mai Tai) whose output serves the multiple experimental setups outlined below.
Spectra-Physics Ti-sapphire regenerative amplifier laser system

  • Transient Absorption/Reflection Spectroscopy

    A bespoke spectrometer from Ultrafast Systems (HELIOS-EOS), producing spectral and kinetic data for investigating photoexcitation events on the femtosecond to microsecond timescale.

    • Vertical and horizonal sample mounting in absorption and reflection modes, accommodating broad sample compatibility

    • Photoexcitation: 240-2600 nm

    • Spectral probe window: 280-2200 nm (femtosecond mode) and 350-2200 nm (nanosecond mode)

    • Temporal window: ~100 fs to 8 ns (femtosecond mode) and <1 ns to ≲1 ms (nanosecond mode)

  • Fluorescence Upconversion

    A turnkey commercial spectrometer from Ultrafast Systems (Halcyone), producing spectral and kinetic data for fluorescence decays from the femtosecond to nanosecond timescale.

    • Vertical and horizonal sample mounting

    • Photoexcitation: 240-2600 nm

    • Fluorescence detection range: 270-1600 nm

    • Temporal window: ~300 fs to 8 ns

    • Sensitive down to single photons

  • Transient Absorption Spectroscopy (Home-Built)

    For trained experienced users, a home-built transient electronic absorption spectrometer is available. This provides flexibility to adapt and customise the setup for the required needs of the user. General specifications are outlined below.

    • Vertical and horizonal sample mounting

    • Photoexcitation: 240-2600 nm

    • Spectral probe window: 320-740 nm

    • Temporal window: ~100 fs to 1.9 ns

  • Gas-Phase Spectroscopy (Home-Built)

    For trained experienced users, a home-built gas-phase time-resolved velocity map imaging setup is available. This provides velocity (energy) and kinetic data for investigating photoexcited molecules in the gas phase.

    • Even-Lavie solenoid valve with a helium backing gas for sample delivery

    • Pump and probe: 200 nm and 240-2600 nm

    • Temporal window: ~100 fs to 1.2 ns