Matrix isolation fluorescence spectroscopy of polycyclic organic matter

Matrix Isolation Fluorescence Spectroscopy (MIF) has been used in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of polycyclic organic matter (POM).

The matrix isolated sample is prepared by vaporizing POM and mixing it, as it effuses from a Knudsen oven, with a large excess of matrix gas. The mixture is then deposited on a sapphire window maintained at 15°K by a closed cycle cryogenic helium refrigerator. Spectral features are then determined using a high resolution fluorescence spectrometer.

MIF is compared with room temperature fluorescence spectrometry initially to demonstrate the superiority of the former method. MIF is then used in the analysis of a number of monomethylchrysenes, dimethylnaphthalenes and nitrogen heterocycles. Modifications that make MIF a more efficient sampling technique are also discussed.