Intensified diode arrays applications

In the past, molecular luminescence spectrometry was always conducted with single channel systems involving a photomultiplier tube (PMT) as the detector. The availability of multichannel detectors with internal gain has provided a new powerful tool for luminescence measurements, and several types of applications have been reported (1-15). This paper is concerned with the application of an intensified diode array dynamic molecular fluorescence and chemiluminescence measurements. In this paper the types of measurements and analytical systems for which multichannel detectors are used in our laboratory are introduced. Next the specific IDA system used is presented along with important hardware and software considerations. Third, the characteristics of the IDA detector are reviewed to give some perspective about its influence on the quality of measurements. Finally, some typical applications to chemical systems are presented to illustrate the advantages of multichannel detection. 

This paper will concentrate on the unique requirements of aeronomic spectroscopy and on the application of image devices to these measurements. Spectrometer 1, Table I, was developed for rocket experiments intended to measure the NIR absorption spectra of 1 0 and 02 molecules in the middle atmosphere. A photodiode array was used as the spectrometric sensor. With this spectrometer we were able to measure the NIR solar radiation spectrum with an altitude resolution better than 2 km. Spectrometer 2, Table I, was basically of the same design as spectrometer 1, except that an image intensifier was optically coupled to the diode array to permit low light-level measurements. The resolution of this spectrometer was adequate for measurements of rotational profiles of the A-band absorption spectra of 02 molecules. We were able to measure the rotational temperature of oxygen molecules, in the stratosphere and the lower mesosphere with an accuracy of + 1.5°, and a spatial resolution better than 2 km. These experiments provided the basis for study of the dynamic processes of atmospheric molecules. Spectrometer 3,... 

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