Trailblazing Spectrofluorophotometer for a Comprehensive Range of Applications

Shimadzu (Germany), one of the world leaders in analytical instrumentation, has released the RF-6000 spectrofluorophotometer. In the year of Shimadzu’s 140th anniversary, the company’s spectrofluorophotometer has been reborn as the RF-6000 by merging new technologies with those cultivated throughout Shimadzu's long history. Stable analyses at a level of sensitivity unrivaled by other instruments in its class, make the RF-6000 a new trailblazer. Combined with new LabSolutions RF software, the RF-6000 covers excellent measurement accuracy and easy operation for a diverse range of cus­tomers' measurement needs.

The RF-6000 offers the highest sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio[1] (SNR) in its class
(SNR ≥1,000 RMS and ≥350 peak-peak). The high sensitivity allows for very low limits of quantitation, easily achieving quantitation of fluorescein to concentrations of 1 × 10-13 mol/L. In addition, an auto-gain control function ensures that measurements are per­formed without influence of environmental factors. As a result, the system provides ac­curate and highly quantitative measurements over a wide six-order dynamic range, from  10-13 to 10-7 mol/L.

Furthermore, the lifespan of the xenon arc lamp has been increased greatly to approxi­mately 2,000 hours. In combination with the extended measurable wavelengths of the detector, this assures stable analyses with high precision. In addition, a larger sample compartment, the adoption of the new LabSolutions RF control software and a wealth of options mean that an even broader range of customer needs can be accommodated.

The RF-6000 provides features which contribute to even more precise analysis results and reduced running costs.  Best-in-class SNR for outstanding sensitivity, high-speed 3D measurement and long-lasting light source

By optimising the internal design, the RF-6000 achieves an SNR of 350:1, the highest in its class, allowing for high-sensitivity analyses of a wide range of samples. Moreover, the speed of 3D measurements has been increased significantly, enabling the acquisition of a 3D spectrum of the full wavelength range in a short time. Samples in very low concen­trations or in minute amounts can also be analyzed by making use of optional cells de­signed for analysing trace amounts. Lastly, the light source employs a highly stable xenon arc lamp. The illumination lifespan has been increased by approximately four times to around 2,000 hours, helping to reduce running costs.

It is possible to obtain fluorescence spectra up to 900 nm with a standard con­figuration. In addition, the RF-6000 can be used for new applications, e.g. meas­urement of quantum yield and quantum efficiency in order to evaluate the effi­ciency of a luminescent material. Two other examples are low-temperature measurement to enable recovery of a sample in order to elucidate artificial pho­tosynthesis, or a search for methods to determine the place of origin for food­stuffs.

By adopting the new LabSolutions RF control software, it is now easier to set up an integrated system of analyses and to confirm the instrument status accu­rately, e.g. by constant monitoring  of reduction in the illumination lifespan of the lamp, recognition status of options and operational status of accessories. Operators can enjoy a greater sense of confidence when using the devices. Moreover, since the RF-6000 is equipped as standard with functionality that provides real-time acquisition of corrected spectra, even more accurate com­parisons with the spectra acquired by other analysis instruments can be per­formed.

Shimadzu’s new RF-6000 spectrofluorophotometer provides stable analyses at a level of sensitivity unrivaled by other instruments in its class. Combined with new LabSolutions RF software, the RF-6000 covers excellent measurement accuracy and easy operation for a diverse range of customers' measurement needs. The RF-6000 provides features which contribute to even more precise analysis results and reduced running costs.

Outstanding sensitivity and high-speed 3D measurement extend the comprehensive range of applications.