AlGaN-based deep-UV LEDs for fluorescence sensing

Recent progress in wide-bandgap semiconductor optoelectronics resulted in an appearance of deep-UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which can be used for fluorescence excitation in a variety of chemical and biological compounds. We used two generations of AlGaN-based UVTOP series deep ultraviolet LEDs developed by Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. The peak wavelength of these fully packaged devices is 340 nm and 280 nm, line width at half maximum approximately 10 nm, wall-plug efficiency up to 0.9% and output power in the milliwatt range. The second-generation emitters are shown to have an extremely low level of unwanted long-wavelength emission what is important for fluorescence measurements. The UV LEDs were tested for fluorescence excitation in standard fluorophores (organic dyes), autofluorescent biological compounds (riboflavin, NADH, tryptophan, and tyrosine) and medical specimens (fluid secreted by prostate gland). Fluorescence lifetime measurements in the frequency domain were demonstrated using UVTOP-340 and -280 devices. The output of the LEDs was modulated at frequencies up to 200 MHz by high-frequency current drivers and the phase angle of the fluorescence signal was resolved using a radio-frequency lock-in amplifier. Nanosecond-scaled measurements of fluorescence lifetimes, which are the “fingerprints” of chemical and biological compounds, were demonstrated.