Non-fluorescent filters for fluorescence detection with in-line geometry

Intrinsic emission from typical filters can unexpectedly contribute to the total measured signal in a fluorescence system. This emission becomes even more problematic for in-line geometry measurements where the excitation light can directly excite the emission filter. Potassium dichromate has minimal intrinsic fluorescence even with ultra-violet (UV) excitation. We show that a liquid sample can be tuned for its transmission properties by adding a base to the solution. This makes it attractive for use as an optical filter. In addition, when embedded in poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film, potassium dichromate is even less fluorescent. These films can be cut and molded into practically any size or shape. Thus non-fluorescent, modular and cheap filters composed of potassium dichromate embedded in a PVA film is proposed to eliminate this unwanted emission and is suitable for a wide variety of devices and applications.