Dye doped spectroscopy interpretation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of photospectrometry results for a dye-doped thin film. Participants explore the implications of absorbance measurements, sample preparation, and the materials used in the experiment, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of spectroscopy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the presence of negative absorbance, suggesting potential issues with calibration or external light interference.
  • Another participant points out the low absorbance value of 0.03 AUFS, questioning whether the spectrophotometer was properly zeroed and inquiring about the solvent used.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the need for proper sample handling, including whether the sample is solid or liquid and the type of cuvette used.
  • Concerns are raised about potential fluorescence from the glass slide or the sample itself, which could affect the measurements.
  • Recommendations are made to use quartz cuvettes for better results, with suggestions to increase dye concentration for more accurate quantification.
  • Questions are posed regarding the effects of orthosilicates and phosphates on the UV-Vis spectrum, particularly in relation to the dye's behavior in different solvent mixtures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the interpretation of the spectrometry results, with no clear consensus on the best practices for sample preparation or the implications of the observed data. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effects of different materials and methods on the measurements.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention potential limitations related to sample preparation, calibration procedures, and the choice of solvents, but these aspects remain unresolved and are subject to further exploration.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for researchers and practitioners involved in spectroscopy, particularly those working with dye-doped materials or thin films in experimental settings.

Srv44
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Hello all,

I am working on a dye doping project and got a photospectrometry result as show in a picture for my thin film. Can anyone please help me interpret the physical meaning of the graph below? Thanks!

upload_2016-7-20_11-58-1.png
 
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Negative Absorbance, the same as measuring light that is either generated by something other than the Spectrometer (reflections from an outside source?); or equivalently the calibration is incorrect.
 
Your sample is very dilute with an absorbance of 0.03 AUFS. Most dyes have incredibly high molar absorption values in the visible range. Did you zero your spectrophotometer over the entire wavelength range? What is your solvent?
 
Kevin McHugh said:
Your sample is very dilute with an absorbance of 0.03 AUFS. Most dyes have incredibly high molar absorption values in the visible range. Did you zero your spectrophotometer over the entire wavelength range? What is your solvent?

Kevin, yes I did zero the spectrophotometer, and the sol I used is made up of : Tetraethyl orthosilicate, Ethanol, hydrogen phosphate and water.
 
You mention a thin film, is your sample a solid or a liquid? Are you using quartz cuvettes, or a holder for solid thin film?
 
Kevin McHugh said:
You mention a thin film, is your sample a solid or a liquid? Are you using quartz cuvettes, or a holder for solid thin film?

My sample is a solid, so a film of dye coated on a microscope slide. Thats all it is. While getting the spec data, I place the dye coated slide right on the beam path against the cuvette holder. Is that something that affects the data I get?
 
Either the glass slide or your sample may fluoresce. I've had cheap photograph lens filters fluoresce Red when hit with intense Blue light. Most annoying.
 
You probably need to use quartz. Are you using a dual beam instrument? Also, your path length will be variable, no good for quant work. How are you zeroing the spec? Your baseline looks like the machine isn't comparing similar backgrounds. Using quarts cuvettes, with dye in solution at known concentration is your best bet to successful spectroscopy. Increase your concentration to achieve at least 1 AUFS for best results. Use methanol as your solvent, it is clear to 205 nm.

Edit: Belay the last, I see your casting a thin film. I believe there sample holders that use mm scale spacers for thin film work in solution. You would do well to get them. Use quartz.
 
Last edited:
  • How do the orthosilicates and the phosphate affect the UV-Vis spectrum? I would expect them to be optically clear, but there may be some other phenomenon going on between the adjutants and the dye.And, as Tom said, does your sample fluoresce? What does the spectrum of the pure dye in ethanol/water look like compared to in solution with the orthosilicates and phopshate>
 

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