Thorlabs' EDU-TRAS1(/M) Time-Resolved Absorption Spectroscopy (TRAS) Educational Kit contains all of the optical and mechanical components, as well as the pulsed laser sources, needed to build a nanosecond TRAS setup. A full list of the included components can be found on the Kit Components tab. Software for controlling the acquisition parameters and carrying out measurements is provided on a USB stick and is also available for download. Metric and imperial versions of the TRAS kit are available.

This kit is intended to investigate the population dynamics of the well-studied molecule Zinc-Tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) and the subsequent charge transfer process to fullerene C70. Additional details on transient absorption and the contributing excitation processes can be found on the Kit Basics tab. The samples needed for the experiments outlined on the Experiments tab are not included. The EDU-TRASK sample kit, which includes pre-prepared sample solutions, is available for purchase below. Details on preparing the sample solutions from raw chemicals can be found on the Samples tab and in the kit manual.

Note: This kit uses two Class 3B lasers, the NPL45B and NPL52C nanosecond pulsed lasers, which requires that all users be trained and follow all necessary safety protocols. This includes wearing the LG3 laser safety glasses shipped with the kit. More details about the laser classification system and Thorlabs laser safety products can be found on the Laser Safety tab. 

• Includes All Components to Build a Setup for Nanosecond Time-Resolved Absorption Spectroscopy
• Measures Transient Absorption Curves to Determine Population Decay Times and Reaction Rates
• Requires User-Supplied Sample Solutions
  • EDU-TRASK Sample Kit with Prepared Solutions also available
• Includes Software for Alignment and Data Acquisition

Kit Details:

Thorlabs' EDU-TRAS1(/M) Time-Resolved Absorption Spectroscopy (TRAS) Educational Kit explores depopulation and charge transfer dynamics in the nanosecond regime using transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. This technique uses transmission measurements to determine the change in absorbance of a sample after excitation by light. Designed for a master's level laboratory course, this kit builds the foundation to understand more complex femtosecond spectroscopy techniques commonly used in research. All mechanical and optical components, as well as the required light sources, needed to build a TRAS setup in the lab are included.

This kit measures the TA signal in zinc-tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP), which is a molecule often used in light harvesting applications, to study excited state population dynamics. Also investigated is the influence of fullerene C70 on the depopulation speed, or decay time. In addition to performing the experiments supported by the kit, students also have the opportunity to practice standard optical alignment techniques and explore how misalignments in an optical setup can affect the detected TA signal.

The experiments in this kit require six different samples, including three concentrations of ZnTPP in benzonitrile (0.8, 0.4, and 0.2 mMol/L) and three mixing ratios of ZnTPP to C70 (1:0.1, 1:0.5, and 1:1). Samples can be prepared using raw chemicals by following the detailed instructions included in the manual. An overview video of this sample preparation procedure can be found on the Samples tab. Alternatively, the EDU-TRASK Sample Kit is available for purchase in select countries. This kit includes 4 mL of each required sample concentration and disposable pipettes.

• Designed for Educational, Demonstration, and Classroom Use
• Complete Photonics Kit Includes All Hardware, Tools, and Software (Computer and Samples Not Included)
• Includes Extensive Manual for Easy Assembly and Use
• Choose from Educational Kits Containing Imperial or Metric Components
• Build a Transmission-Based Setup for Nanosecond Time-Resolved Absorption Spectroscopy
• Explore the Effect of the Pump Beam Focusing Lens on the Transient Absorption Signal
• Determine the Decay Time of an Excited State Population
• Investigate the Influence of Concentration and the Presence of Additional Species on the Decay Time
• Optional Experiments for Exploring Data Deconvolution, Laser Pulse Width Influence on Transient Absorption Signal, and Beam Focus Optimization
• Samples Available Separately (See EDU-TRASK Sample Kit Sold Below)