The WILD Group is implementing highly sensitive luminescence measurement systems that can reliably detect even the smallest amounts of light by combining optics, electronics, mechanics and software.

To emit their characteristic glow, fireflies use a biochemical process which also plays an important role in analysis techniques: Luminescence. In nature, it serves as a highly efficient communication system that converts chemical energy directly into light almost without generating heat.

Several applications in bioanalytics, diagnostics, and research are based on this principle. These include ATP measurements in the food industry, reporter assays in genetic research or high-throughput screening in drug development: luminescence techniques can help detect even the smallest quantities of a substance.

Yet what seems like child‘s play in nature presents developers with enormous obstacles, since the main challenge is not to generate light, but to detect it. The emitted impulses are often extremely weak, so that even the slightest disruptive factors can compromise measurement quality. Therefore, a high signal-to-background (SBR) ratio or signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio is of essence. The better the signal stands out from the background, the lower the detection thresholds and the more reliable the measurement results are.

To consistently minimise optical and electrical background signals, it is necessary to control a large number of variables: optical shielding against extraneous light, selection of materials with low self-fluorescence, highly sensitive electronics and intelligent signal processing.

COMBINING COMPONENTS INTO A PERFECT MEASUREMENT CHAIN
“It is not the sensitivity of a single component that matters but the interaction of the entire measurement chain“, says Stephan Payer, Head of Sales Analytics at WILD. “Only an optimal fine-tuning of optics, electronics, mechanics and software can reliably detect extremely weak luminescence signals. This is where we contribute our strengths as a development and manufacturing partner. From the optical and electronic system architecture and the integration of state-of-the-art detector technologies to serial production, we create an integral system that meets the highest requirements for sensitivity, reproducibility and robustness.“

Since even the smallest particles can compromise the optical properties of a system, WILD assembles critical modules in ISO Class 6 flow cabinets. This minimises impurities and guarantees a high level of reproducibility.

NEW DEGREES OF FREEDOM IN DETECTION
Though conventional photomultipliers remain relevant for numerous high-performance applications, modern silicon-based detectors are becoming increasingly important. They allow the creation of compact, robust and cost-efficient system solutions and open up new degrees of freedom in the development of future analysers.