Equipment & setups.

High-energy pulsed Nd:YAG laser system delivering nanosecond pulses at fundamental (1064 nm), second harmonic (532 nm), and third harmonic (355 nm) wavelengths. Used as the primary pump source for OPO-based spectroscopy and for direct pulsed irradiation experiments in photophysics and photomedicine.

Broadly tunable nanosecond OPO pumped by the Nd:YAG Surelite II. Provides continuously tunable output across the visible and near-infrared spectral range, enabling wavelength-selective laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and absorption experiments across the relevant absorption bands of photosensitisers and biological molecules.

Continuous-wave narrow-spectrum diode laser at 730 nm with 30 mW output power. Used for near-infrared fluorescence excitation in the absorption window of biological photosensitisers and for photobiomodulation experiments.

Continuous-wave polarised single-mode diode laser at 405 nm with 30 mW output power. Used for blue-violet fluorescence excitation, photochemical activation of photosensitisers, and steady-state spectroscopy experiments.

Compact pulsed laser diode driver module for generating ultrashort optical pulses in the picosecond range. Used to drive laser diodes for time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TCSPC), laser pulse characterisation, and fast pump-probe experiments.

Double-beam scanning spectrophotometer covering 175–3300 nm with high photometric accuracy. Used for characterisation of photosensitiser solutions, drug loading in hydrogels, and monitoring laser-induced spectral changes in biological and chemical samples.

750 mm focal-length Czerny–Turner spectrograph with interchangeable diffraction gratings. Coupled with the PIMAX CCD camera for time-resolved and steady-state fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. Central instrument for laser-induced fluorescence experiments on photosensitisers, biological tissues, and liquid samples.

Intensified CCD detector with sub-nanosecond gating capability. Used with the SP-2750 spectrograph for time-resolved fluorescence measurements (fluorescence lifetime, singlet-oxygen emission at 1270 nm) and for gated spectroscopy during pulsed laser experiments.

Near-infrared sensitive photomultiplier tube for single-photon-level detection in the 950–1400 nm range. Used primarily for direct singlet oxygen phosphorescence detection at 1270 nm — a key measurement in photodynamic therapy research.

4-channel 2.5 GHz bandwidth digital phosphor oscilloscope providing 40 GS/s real-time sampling. Used for time-resolved signal acquisition from PMT and photodiode detectors, characterisation of laser pulse shapes, and timing in pump-probe and gated experiments.

High-power digital shutter controller for precise optical beam gating in pulsed and time-resolved experiments. Provides accurate open/close timing control for optical shutters used in laser spectroscopy setups.

Multifunctional pulse trigger unit for synchronising pulsed laser sources, detectors, shutters, and acquisition systems in time-resolved spectroscopy and pump-probe experiments.

Advanced digital heating magnetic stirrer with precise temperature control and programmable operating protocols. Used for preparation and homogenisation of photosensitiser solutions, drug formulations, and colloidal dispersions prior to spectroscopic or biological measurements.

Two-syringe precision diluter and dispenser for accurate volumetric liquid handling. Used for serial dilutions of drug and photosensitiser solutions and for reproducible sample preparation in spectroscopic and biological assays.

Enhanced dual-syringe precision diluter and dispenser with extended volume range. Used alongside the Microlab 500 for high-accuracy dilution series and automated dispensing in photophysics and photomedicine sample workflows.

Axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA) tensiometer for precise measurement of dynamic and equilibrium surface and interfacial tension. Core instrument for the DROPCOAL and SpaceSurf projects — used to characterise liquid–air and liquid–liquid interfacial properties relevant to drop coalescence in microgravity.

Digital soldering station with precise temperature control for electronic assembly and repair. Used for circuit board rework, sensor wiring, and fabrication of custom electronic components and experimental setups in the laboratory.

High-speed FDM 3D printer for rapid prototyping of laboratory components, sample holders, and custom experimental fixtures. Used to fabricate bespoke parts for optical setups and sample-handling devices.