Versatile and High-Repetition Subnanosecond Light Source for Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements

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Abstract
We describe the construction and emission characteristics of a gap-adjustable, capacitor-replaceable pulsed light source (air-discharge type) that produces high-repetition pulsed UV light of nanosecond duration. Stable light pulses of 0.8 to 3.5 ns width are generated from atmospheric-pressure air discharge between the sharp anode and round cathode. Appreciable heterogeneities on the distribution of emission intensity and its on-set timing along the discharge gap were observed. Fluorescence lifetimes of ethidium bromide solutions were measured to demonstrate the usefulness of the light source.