Tests of a practical visible-NIR imaging fourier transform spectrometer for biological and chemical fluorescence emission measurements

An imaging Fourier transform spectrometer (IFTS) designed for fluorescence emission measurements is reported. The spectral range extension from NIR to visible of the system is realized by using a simple and low-cost optical beam-folding position-tracking technique. Spectral resolution as high as 9.78cm 1(0.4nm at 632.8nm) and maximum image resolution up to 300×300 pixels are proved by the system tests on its optical performances. Imaging fluorescence spectra acquisition of quantum dot clusters and single 200nm diameter fluorescent beads have demonstrated the system's potential for high throughput imaging spectroscopic measurements of fluorescent biological and chemical samples.