written by Mark M. McKeever, Michael R. Cates, Stephen W. Allison, David L. Beshears, Alfred Akerman, Matthew B. Scudiere, and James E. Parks

The thermographic phosphor (TGP) Labkit is a flexible instrument for students beyond the first year and is also a useful laboratory tool for physics and research and development. It aids in teaching and demonstrating a number of useful concepts and skills. Students will learn important aspects of optical physics and spectroscopy. By producing fluorescence and measuring its characteristics versus temperature, students will become familiar with atomic energy levels, lifetimes, radiative and non-radiative transitions, spectral bands and linewidth, spectral distribution, and absorption. In addition, measurements involve optics, electro-optics, and electronic instrumentation. The Labkit contains an ultraviolet light emitting diode of 365 nm that illuminates a thin phosphor layer. The phosphor adheres to a copper plate in intimate contact with a Peltier heater/cooler that covers 0 to 100 °C. A thermocouple attaches to the copper plate to monitor temperature. The Labkit allows for controlling the pulse duration of the LED and the rate of repetition. Representative signals from 10 to 55 °C are presented and the resulting well behaved lifetime versus temperature plot. Results of separate measurements at 10 °C indicate repeatability. Detector linearity is demonstrated over a factor of eight in detector gain. Practice and familiarity with common laboratory and industry tools such as thermocouples, Peltier devices, and photomultiplier detectors also contribute to the educational objectives. Finally, in the course of exercising the instrument, the student will learn the practical skill of temperature measurement and control.

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Published November 17, 2015
Last Modified November 17, 2015

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