UK: Development of Novel Fluorophores How the Blue Glow of Tonic Water Might Lead to More Energy-Efficient Phone and TV Screens

Horiba UK announces the first UK installation of its Fluorolog-QM modular research-grade fluorescence spectrometer. The device will form an integral part of research into novel fluorophores by Dr Marc Etherington of Northumbria University.

Northampton/UK — A team of scientists at Northumbria University wants to open up new scientific understanding of fluorophores in order to offer light-based solutions to real-world issues, including the development of new materials to reduce the energy consumption of household devices. Dr Etherington, a Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University, aims to use the chemistry behind the blue glow of tonic water to modify and improve other materials to become the next generation of efficient light-emitting compounds. These compounds can then be used to reduce the energy use of displays that are used in phones and TVs.

Horiba’s Fluorolog-QM spectrometer is to be a key enabler of this work, providing a flexible spectroscopic platform for high-sensitivity fluorescence analysis and photoluminescence quantum yield measurements. Dr Etherington said: “Most people associate science with a lab full of brightly coloured liquids and powders. I am personally interested in those that are bright, colourful and glow in the dark! The Fluorolog-QM will be the flagship for understanding why these glow and what colour they are in a measurable and quantifiable way. It will provide the crucial first step on a pathway to more efficient phone screens and displays. I’m looking forward to working closely with HORIBA scientists to harness the full power of the Fluorolog-QM for this research.”

The Fluorolog-QM is the latest generation modular spectrofluorometer from Horiba. It layers innovation onto the Fluorolog platform, resulting in what the company describes as the highest-performance fluorescence analyser in the world. This installation is the latest of many by Horiba UK over the last few months, with new deliveries across its wide portfolio of analytical and measurement systems.

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