SAN FRANCISCO (February 19, 2010) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today launched the Thermo Scientific Lumina, a new research-grade dual-monochromator scanning fluorescence spectrometer that offers a new level of clarity in fluorescence measurement. Designed for both demanding research applications and routine laboratory analysis, the LuminaTM delivers 0.5 nm spectral bandwidth, high sensitivity and fast scanning speed, providing industry-leading performance for rapid and accurate assay development, quantification and sample analysis applications in life science, QA/QC, materials science, pharmaceutical, environmental, photochemistry and luminescence laboratories. Thermo Fisher will showcase the state-of-the-art fluorescence spectrometer within Thermo Scientific booth 326 at the Biophysical Society 54th Annual Meeting, being held February 20-24 in San Francisco.

With its ability to provide 0.5 nm spectral bandwidth, the Lumina offers superior resolving power when compared with competitive systems in the same price range, enabling analysts to uncover the most detailed information about their samples, including sample features that are closely positioned, and better discriminate between peaks in spectra. Additionally, the Lumina's increased sensitivity offers the advantages of lower limits of detection, less noise and more consistent baseline measurements.

"With the launch of the Thermo Scientific Lumina, our customers can now achieve advanced spectral resolution for both excitation and emission spectra," said Michael Allen, Thermo Fisher Scientific product manager for UV-visible and fluorescence products. "The combination of the instrument's high resolution and increased sensitivity offers a new level of clarity to fluorescence spectroscopy, helping researchers dig deeper into their samples and unlock new information."

The powerful xenon lamp in the Lumina, combined with optimized monochromators, allows for the detection of sample concentrations below parts-per-billion levels for compounds such as harmful heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and more. A fast, accurate and reliable monochromator drive mechanism enables slewing at 20,000 nm/min and wavelength scanning at speeds of up to 6,000 nm/min. This reduces the exposure of photosensitive samples during synchronous and 3D scanning experiments. The instrument's photomultiplier detector offers extended measurement of the near-infrared wavelength (190 nm to 900 nm), which facilitates cutting-edge research in biochemistry and photosynthesis applications.

With a large sample compartment and a wide range of accessories for temperature control, polarization and solid sample measurement, the Lumina can be expanded for use in a variety of applications. The instrument uses Thermo Scientific LuminousTM software for complete instrument and accessory control, as well as efficient data collection, analysis and reporting.

For more information about the Thermo Scientific Lumina fluorescence spectrometer, as well as other Thermo Scientific products, please visit Thermo Scientific booth 326 at the Biophysical Society 54th Annual Meeting. Alternatively, please call 1-800-532-4752 or visit www.thermo.com/glows

Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.