Software
FluoFit
Global Fluorescence Decay Data Analysis Software
- Tail fitting or iterative reconvolution, maximum likelihood estimation
- Exponential decay models up to 4th order
- Lifetime distribution models (Gaussian, Lorentzian, Stretched Exponentials)
- Anisotropy analysis with an exponential decay model up to 4th order
- Global analysis and batch fitting for all models
- Rigorous error-analysis with three different methods
- ASCII and direct data import from PicoQuant TCSPC and MCS modues, SPC and MSA data
- Unlimited number of data points
- Easy to use graphical interface
FluoFit is discontinued since Juli 2018 and replaced by the EasyTau 2 software package.
The FluoFit software package is a powerful global analysis software for fluorescence decay and anisotropy measurements. Tail fitting as well as a numerical reconvolution algorithm to account for the finite Instrument Response Function (IRF) can be applied. The FluoFit software is available in two versions (Basic and Professional) with different functionalities to meet individual needs.
Exponential decay and lifetime distribution models
Exponential decay models up to 4th order or different lifetime distribution models (Gaussian, Lorentzian and Stretched Exponential) can be fitted to the experimental data. A Levenberg-Marquard as well as a maximum likelihood estimation algorithm can be selected for the fitting procedure. The software allows to freely vary the number of fit parameters, including IRF and signal background as well as time shift. Start parameters for the fitting algorithm can be determined automatically or entered manually. The fitting limits are easily adjusted with graphical sliders. Global fitting as well as batch mode fitting is supported for all models.
Advanced error treatment
Reduced chi-square, weighted residual and autocorrelation trace are shown for assessment of the goodness of fit. A rigorous error analysis using different methods such as asymptotic standard errors (ASE), support plane analysis and bootstrap is also included in the software.
Easy to use graphical user interface
FluoFit supports data files from the HydraHarp 400, PicoHarp 300, TimeHarp 260, TimeHarp 200, NanoHarp 250, SPC and MSA TCSPC systems as well as ASCII data files. Instrument response and fluorescence decay may be loaded from different sources or copied directly via the Windows clipboard (only for PicoQuant TCSPC modules). A comprehensive help file is provided for ease of use. User preferences are widely adjustable and can be automatically stored and retrieved. The software is available for Windows XP/Vista/7 and features a modern and easy to use graphical user interface. Results can be printed, saved and exported for later reference.
Current software version: 4.6.6
The latest version now supports the TimeHarp 260 TCSPC and MCS module.
Course on time-resolved fluorescence
PicoQuant annually holds the European short course on "Principles and Applications of Time-resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy". The course is intended for individuals wishing an in-depth introduction to the principles of fluorescence spectroscopy and its applications to the Life Sciences. The course is held in cooperation with Prof. J.R. Lakowicz from the Center of Fluorescence Spectroscopy (CFS) in Baltimore and consists of lectures as well as instrumentation and software hands-on training. For details see the course website.
| Decay Models and Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Exponential decay models | up to 4th order |
| Lifetime distributions* | Gaussian, Lorentzian, Stretched Exponential (up to 4 peaks) |
| Anisotropy* | up to 4th order exponential decay model, tail fit of the anisotropy decay and anisotropy reconvolution |
| Decay parameters | amplitudes, lifetimes, distribution width, background |
| Anisotropy parameters* | G-factor, amplitude, background, time shift between polarized decays |
| Reconvolution parameters | background, time shift, scattered light contribution, pulse repetition rate |
| Algorithms | |
| Nonlinear least squares fitting / MLE | Marquardt-Levenberg, Monte Carlo, manual parameter variation |
| Correction for finite IRF | iterative reconvolution |
| Error test / assessment | χ2, distribution and autocorrelation of weighted residuals |
| Error analysis* | Asymptotic Standard Errors (ASE), Support Plane Analysis and Bootstrap |
| Global analysis / batch mode fitting* | for all fitting models, number of data sets only memory limited |
| User interface | |
| Graphical user interface | Windows GUI, menu or mouse driven |
| Display | linear or logarithmic scale, zoomable |
| Data import | file or Windows clipboard |
| Preferences | saved in Windows registry |
| Data Formats | |
| Number of channels | unlimited |
| Channel width | unlimited |
| Supported formats | HydraHarp 400, PicoHarp 300, TimeHarp 260, TimeHarp 200, NanoHarp 250 (binary or clipboard), SPC, MSA, ASCII |
| Operation Environment | |
| Required PC | 400 MHz min. CPU clock, 256 MB memory (for global fitting >= 512 MB recommended) |
| Display | 1024 × 768 (or better) |
| Operating system | Windows XP/Vista/7 |
| Protection module | USB |
* only available in FluoFit Professional
All Information given here is reliable to our best knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications and external appearances are subject to change without notice.
The FluoFit software is available in two versions to meet different needs. The main features of both versions (Basic and Professional) are shown in the following table:
| FluoFit Basic | FluoFit Professional | |
| Data import from HydraHarp 400, PicoHarp 300, TimeHarp 260, TimeHarp 200, NanoHarp 250, SPC, MSA, ASCII |
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| Exponential decay models | |
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| Lifetime distributions models | |
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| Anisotropy analysis | |
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| Global analysis and batch fitting | |
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| Maximum likelihood estimation | |
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| Goodness of fit assessment | |
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| Error analysis | |
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| Export of analysis results | |
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| Storage of user preferences | |
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The global fluorescence decay data analysis software FluoFit can be used in applications where the fluorescence (luminescence) lifetime, determined from a single point measurement, is a key parameters, such as:
- Time-Resolved Fluorescence
- Singlet Oxygen
- Time-Resolved Photoluminescence (TRPL)
- Fluorescence Upconversion
- Fluorescence Anisotropy (Polarization)
The following documents are available for download:
Latest 10 publications referencing FluoFit
The following list is an extract of 10 recent publications from our bibliography that either bear reference or are releated to this product in some way. Do you miss your publication? If yes, we will be happy to include it in our bibliography. Please send an e-mail to info@picoquant.com containing the appropriate citation. Thank you very much in advance for your kind co-operation.