Single photon decay spectroscopy.

Abstract

Fluorescence lifetimes of low pressure gaseous systems are necessary for the understanding of electronic relaxation in an isolated molecule. A detailed experimental and theoretical analysis of the technique of single photon decay spectroscopy is presented. This includes the construction of nanosecond light sources, the detection and timing of single photons, and a statistical analysis of the results. Standards for time calibration and detection sensitivity are suggested.     This paper provides the basis for subsequent studies of the fluorescence decay of aromatic vapours.