Abstract: An optical system includes a sample carrier receiving region configured to receive a carrier carrying a sample for processing, a source that emits an excitation signal having a wavelength within a first predetermined wavelength range, and a first set of optical components that direct the excitation signal along an excitation path to the sample carrier receiving region, wherein radiation having a wavelength within a second predetermined wavelength range is emitted from the sample carrier receiving region in response to receiving the excitation signal. The system further includes a detector configured to detect the emitted radiation and generates a signal indicative of a power of the detected radiation and a second set of optical components that directs the emitted radiation along a collection path to the detector and a power meter that measures a power of the radiation emitted from the sample carrier receiving region and generates a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A recombinant exosome comprising a fusion protein of a membrane protein and light-emitting protein, and a method of determining an exosome recovery rate by using the recombinant exosome are provided. Use of the method ensures accurate quantification of exosomes in a sample, and thus, improves the efficiency of an exosome-based diagnosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluorescence detection method. The fluorescence detection method includes the steps of: irradiating a measurement object with laser light modulated at a predetermined frequency; receiving fluorescence emitted by the measurement object and outputting two or more pulsed fluorescent signals; setting reference timing in units of period corresponding to the frequency; acquiring a generation time to output of each of the pulsed fluorescent signals based on the reference timing; generating a cumulative fluorescent signal indicating the relationship between a generation frequency of the pulsed fluorescent signal and the generation time; determining, by using a signal corresponding to modulation of the laser light as a reference signal, a phase difference between the reference signal and the cumulative fluorescent signal; and determining, by using the phase difference, a fluorescence relaxation time of the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a microscope for generating a microscopic image, wherein a) the sample is illuminated in each case by the microscope lens using the TIRF method; and b) the sample is illuminated in a structured fashion in different displacement positions of the structure. The sample light of the method according to a) and b) is detected in each case for generating an image of at least once sample region, wherein the sample images generated according to a) and b) are set off against one another, preferably multiplied, and the result is stored for generating a new sample image.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting degradation in the quality of a brake fluid are disclosed. The brake fluid comprises a luminescent dye, wherein there is a change in luminescence emitted by the dye in response to a change in water content of the brake fluid.

Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do

Abstract: A value document authentication apparatus and system that includes value document substrates having a uniform distribution of one or more phosphors that emit infrared radiation in one or more wavelengths, which can be measured at the same location on the value document that is illuminated by a phosphor exciting light source when the document passes the light source with a uniform velocity. The illumination and measurement locations on the value document can be offset. The measured infrared radiation as a series of overlapped measurements along a pre-selected track in the value document represents an intensity profile, which can be normalized after removing high variations. The normalized intensity profile of a test value document can be compared with normalized intensity profile from valid reference documents to authenticate the test value document.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A fine particle measuring apparatus is provided. The fine particle measuring apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect light emitted from a fine particle and a processing unit having a memory device storing instructions which when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit to calculate a corrected intensity value of the detected light and generate spectrum data based on the corrected intensity value.

Abstract: Methods are presented for analysing semiconductor materials (8), and silicon photovoltaic cells and cell precursors in particular, using imaging of photoluminescence (12) generated with high intensity illumination (16). The high photoluminescence signal levels (16) obtained with such illumination (30) enable the acquisition of images from moving samples with minimal blurring. Certain material defects of interest to semiconductor device manufacturers, especially cracks, appear sharper under high intensity illumination. In certain embodiments images of photoluminescence generated with high and low intensity illumination are compared to highlight selected material properties or defects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminescent composition comprising a component which can be excited by infrared (IR) radiation and a component which can be excited by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The composition has a characteristic emission spectrum and may optionally be used together with a reading system adapted to the emission spectrum in order to mark substances or mixtures of substances.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of marker systems for the security and tracing of items, articles, goods, vehicles or persons. The present invention provides a marker for applying to the surfaces of items, the marker comprising at least one fluorescent material capable of fluorescing at a specific wavelength when subjected to stimulus. The marker can also include at least one material which is phosphorescent and emitting at a specific wavelength. In use, the measured fluorescence and phosphorescent response obtained from the marker are visually compared to examples of the desired colour output for the case in hand to verify the authenticity of the item.

Abstract: A system for energy upconversion and/or down conversion and a system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium. These systems include 1) a nanoparticle configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength ?1 of radiation, to generate a second wavelength ?2 of radiation having a higher energy than the first wavelength ?1 and 2) a metallic structure disposed in relation to the nanoparticle. A physical characteristic of the metallic structure is set to a value where a surface plasmon resonance in the metallic structure resonates at a frequency which provides a spectral overlap with either the first wavelength ?1 or the second wavelength ?2, or with both ?1 and ?2. The system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium includes a receptor disposed in the medium in proximity to the nanoparticle which, upon activation by the second wavelength ?2, generates the photostimulated reaction.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for the measurement of multiple fluorescence emissions in a flow cytometry system is disclosed where each excitation light source is modulated with a different frequency. A single detector is used to collect the fluorescent emissions excited by all light sources, and the emissions are segregated using Fourier Transform techniques. Systems and methods for the correction of inter-beam coincidence are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for efficiently detecting an image with a smaller number of pixels. The invention relates to fluorescence analysis which uses a substrate having a plurality of regions for being capable of immobilizing biologically-related molecules in positions of lattice points of a lattice structure, and which causes the fluorescence from a certain lattice point to be wavelength-dispersed in a direction other than the direction toward the adjacent closest lattice point. According to an embodiment, for example, the number of pixels of a two-dimensional sensor required for fluorescence analysis of the regions with the biologically-related molecules immobilized can be set to several hundred times to fifty times smaller than that in the conventional case without degrading the measurement accuracy. This can achieve the improvement of throughput, reduction in price, and/or improvement of the operability of an analyzing device.

Abstract: A solid state light source device for generating a constant broad band light useful in multiple SLM projectors. The light source device includes a blue or UV/near UV excitation light and a moving plate carrying wavelength conversion materials to convert the excitation light into a broad band light. The wavelength conversion materials include red, green, yellow and/or blue phosphors, and may pass some of the blue excitation light. The broad band light outputted by the phosphor plate includes at least two primary color components and has a constant intensity and spectrum as a function of time. The solid state light source device further includes a second light source such as a blue light source, and a light combination device which combines the output light of the moving phosphor plate and the light from the second light source into one beam of constant, broad band light.

Abstract: The inventive optical analysis technique uses an optical system capable of detecting light from a micro region in a solution, such as an optical system of a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, to detect the light from the light-emitting particle to be observed while moving the position of the micro region in the sample solution (while scanning the inside of the sample solution with the micro region); generates time series light intensity data, and after smoothing the time series light intensity data; and detects in the smoothed time series light intensity data the light-emitting particle crossing the inside of the micro region individually, thereby enabling the counting of the light-emitting particle(s) or the acquisition of the information on the concentration or number density of the light-emitting particle.

Abstract: Embodiments include articles, authentication methods and apparatus, and article manufacturing methods. An article includes a substrate with a first luminescent taggant, and an extrinsic feature with a second luminescent taggant, which is positioned proximate a portion of the article surface. The first and second taggants produce emissions in overlapping emission bands as a result of exposure to excitation energy. Above the extrinsic feature, the substrate and extrinsic feature emissions combine in the overlapping emission band to produce “confounded” emissions that are distinguishable from the substrate emissions taken alone. An authentication system determines whether, in a region corresponding to a “substrate-only” region of an authentic article, emissions having first emission characteristics are detected in the overlapping emission band.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented to measure the photoluminescence of incoming wafers and extract parameters such as minority carrier life time, diffusion length, and defect density that may be used to predict final solar cell efficiency. In some examples, illumination light is supplied to a side of an as-cut silicon wafer and the induced luminescence measured from the same side and the opposite side of the wafer is used to determine an indication of the minority carrier lifetime. In another example, the luminescence induced by two instances of illumination light of different wavelength is used to determine an indication of the minority carrier lifetime. In another example, the spatial distribution of luminescence intensity over an area surrounding a focused illumination spot is used to determine an indication of the minority carrier lifetime. Other apparatus useful to passivate the surface of a wafer for inspection are also presented.

Abstract: A nonlinear fluorescence imaging system and method for generating fluorescence imaging includes a pulsed laser source for generating laser pulses at a first wavelength and an optical pulse stretcher including one or more optical pulse stretcher fibers having a first dispersion parameter at the first wavelength. The system also includes a probe for interfacing with a sample to deliver the laser pulses and extract fluorescence signals excited in the sample. One or more optical delivery fibers are included for delivering the laser pulses and collecting nonlinear fluorescence signals. The optical delivery fiber has a second dispersion parameter at the first wavelength which is opposite a polarity of the first dispersion parameter. A detector detects images based on the collected fluorescence signals.

Abstract: A solution for managing illumination of an organism with ultraviolet light is provided. A set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics of the organism can be determined using fluorescence data for the organism. The set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics can be used to determine a set of target properties of the ultraviolet light. The set of target properties can be used to illuminate the organism with ultraviolet light. The illumination can be managed during growth of the organism, breeding of the organism, and/or maintenance of the organism after harvest.

Abstract: A minute particle analyzing device includes: a light source; a first condenser lens for condensing light from the light source to a first end of a multimode optical fiber; a second condenser lens for condensing the light emerging from a second end of the multimode optical fiber to a minute particle; and a detector for detecting light generated from the minute particle by the application of the light from the light source.

Abstract: Lesions caused by insects feeding on plants are associated with the generation of regions of blue-green fluorescence in such as the cotton boll carpel wall and in the lint region. The present disclosure now provides methods and devices to rapidly and non-invasively detect and measure the insect-related fluorescence and relate the fluorescence generated to the likelihood of insect damage in a crop. In particular, the methods are related to stink bug damage in the cotton plant, but are also suitable for the detection of insect-related damage of any plant. The methods of detecting insect-induced damage in a target plant tissue may comprise exposing a target plant or a fragment thereof, to an ultraviolet or violet light; and detecting an ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence from the target plant or the fragment thereof, thereby indicating the presence of insect-related plant damage.

Abstract: It is an objection of the present invention to provide a fluorescence reading apparatus in view of the influence of fluorescence derived from a fluorescence substance that is not involved with an interaction between a probe substance and a target substance.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A crystalline phosphor of formula: Lnx.(1?t1?t2?t3?t4)Ybx.t1Erx.t2Tmx.t3Hox.14BayZnzO1.5x+y+z in which: Ln is Y, Gd or La; t1+t2+t3+t4 varies from 0.001 to 0.3; and such that, when x=2, y=1 and z=1: t1+t3+t4 is nonzero; if Ln is La or Gd and if t3+t4 is zero, then t1 varies from 0.05 to 0.1 and t2 varies from 0.02 to 0.07; and if Ln is Gd, then t2+t4 is nonzero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying ammunition type and/or weapon type used to fire the ammunition from gunshot residue. This method involves providing a sample including a gunshot residue, subjecting the sample to spectroscopic analysis to produce a spectroscopic signature for the sample, and identifying the spectroscopic signature to ascertain the type of ammunition and/or the type of weapon used to fire the ammunition. A method of establishing reference spectroscopic signatures for ammunition type and/or weapon type used to fire the ammunition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are highly interpenetrated robust metal-organic frameworks having the repeat unit Zn5(BTA)6(TDA)2, useful for applications such as selective gas storage, selective gas sorption and/or separation, and gas detection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for acquiring photoluminescence images (2) of silicon solar cells and wafers (4) as they progress along a manufacturing line (36). In preferred embodiments the images are acquired while maintaining motion of the samples. In certain embodiments photoluminescence is generated with short pulse, high intensity excitation, (8) for instance by a flash lamp (50) while in other embodiments images are acquired in line scanning fashion. The photoluminescence images can be analysed to obtain information on average or spatially resolved values of one or more sample properties such as minority carrier diffusion length, minority carrier lifetime, dislocation defects, impurities and shunts, or information on the incidence or growth of cracks in a sample.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a flow cell having a flow channel through which a sample passes. A light source excites at least a first particle type in the sample in one or more excitation region(s), and a detector detects light emitted by the excited particle. A spatial filter defines detection regions, wherein light emitted by the particle is transmitted to the detector, and interspersed shielded regions, wherein such light is at least partially blocked from reaching the detector. The light emitted by the excited particle has a response time ?1, and the sample may also contain a component that is excited by the light source and that has a response time ?2<?1. The excitation region(s) and the detection regions are arranged to provide a time delay between excitation and detection, the time delay tailored to isolate light emitted by the first particle from light emitted by the component.

Abstract: For determining the distribution of a substance, a measuring front is formed of a first and a second optical signal. Intensities of the first and second optical signals, over a depth of the measuring front which is smaller than the diffraction limit at the wavelengths of the first and second optical signals, increase so steeply that a portion of the substance in a measurement state in which a measurement signal is available from the substance increases from essentially zero due to transferring the substance by means of the first optical signal into the measurement state, and decreases to essentially zero again due to transferring the substance by means of the second optical signal back out of the measurement state. The measuring front is moved over a measurement region. The measurement signal is recorded for different positions of the measuring front in the measurement region and assigned to these positions.

Abstract: Functionalized fullerenes, when excited at any of a broad range of wavelengths in an oxygen free environment, undergo luminescence. The oxygen sensitive luminescence of functionalized fullerenes is used for numerous applications including oxygen detection; irradiation induced healing of polymeric materials; and phosphors for optical location and display applications. The degradation of the functionalized fullerenes allows for the detection of oxygen by diminished luminescence when the fullerenes are exposed to an irradiation source, such as a laser beam, in the presence of oxygen. The luminescence from a portion of a surface of a material with functionalized fullerenes allows for the location of the surface containing a functionalized fullerene target in the absence of oxygen or to heat the object in the area irradiated that is exposed to oxygen. The localized heating can be used to repair defects to a material containing the functionalized fullerenes.

Abstract: Identification and quantification of mass-produced goods in articles, a dye-containing polymer dispersion having been added to the mass-produced goods. The polymer dispersions contain particles which are coded by a mixture of dyes, and the polymer dispersion particles are quantitatively determined.

Abstract: A reflection plate for an optical encoder includes: a base material (1) with a reflecting surface; and a film (3) that is formed on a part of the reflecting surface and includes a non-electrolytic plating film or an electrolytic oxide film.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including an estimation unit that expresses a light intensity distribution, which is obtained by irradiating light to a measurement object of a measurement target having a plurality of substances with mutually different responsive characteristics to the light on a surface and/or an inside of the measurement object, as a linear combination of light intensity distributions, which are obtained by irradiating the light to reference measurement objects, each of which has a single substance, models the light intensity distribution obtained from each of the reference measurement objects so as to follow a predetermined probability distribution, and estimates a combination coefficient of the linear combination from the light intensity distribution obtained from the measurement object of the measurement target.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for high spatial resolution imaging of a sample's structure, including a diffraction-limited resolution volume with a plurality of dye molecules which can be switched between different states and have a distribution density which is greater than the inverse of the diffraction-limited resolution volume, where at least one state is fluorescing, the fluorescence being collected by an objective lens and imaged on a spatially resolving detector by an optical system. At least one light source provided for emitting a switching radiation and for emitting an excitation radiation. At least one of the light sources is arranged to radiate through the sample, and a switching and/or fluorescence excitation of the dye molecules is carried out. The switching is a photoactivation or a photodeactivation of the dye molecules. A focusing arrangement is provided for switching and/or for excitation to generate a line-like illumination region extending in a direction of illumination.

Abstract: An object of the present invention relates to observation of single molecule fluorescence while temperature of a sample solution is controlled by a temperature controller and intrinsic fluorescence of the temperature controller is avoided, in a total internal reflection microscope. The present invention relates to provision of an opening at areas of the temperature controller through which incident light and reflected light pass, and configuration adopting a material with intrinsic fluorescence lower than that of the other parts, in a total internal reflection microscope including a prism and the temperature controller. The present invention enables intrinsic fluorescence of the temperature controller to be suppressed, which allows highly sensitive fluorescence observation while controlling sample solution temperature with high precision. For instance, this in turn allows the throughput of single molecule DNA sequencing using a total internal reflection microscope to be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is a low-cost, easily deployed, degradable taggant that can be dispersed over a wide area to serve as a witness to activity in the area and for queuing of other sensors. The taggant enables nearly real-time change detection within the treated area using one or more simple optical sensing techniques.

Abstract: A method deconvolves a multiplexed fluorescence spectral signal into its component single-color fluorescence spectra emitted by contributing fluorophore types. A spectral database contains a parameter set for each of the component spectra. Optical codes are received as the multiplexed signals. A sliding window technique estimates a number and location of local peaks for the component spectra. Allowable variation ranges are assigned for the corresponding parameter sets. Each multiplexed signal is deconvolved into a sum of parametric values to generate a list of its component spectra. Encoded and received optical codes, in the form of multiplexed signals, are decoded and identified by their component spectra and contributing fluorophore types. A system for deconvolving the multiplexed signals includes a spectral database containing the parameter sets, a detection element receiving the optical codes, and a signal processor encoded to analyze and deconvolve the multiplexed signals.

Abstract: An instrument is provided that can monitor nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions, for example, PCR amplification of DNA and DNA fragments. The instrument includes a multi-notch filter disposed along one or both of an excitation beam path and an emission beam path. Methods are also provided for monitoring nucleic acid sequence amplifications using an instrument that includes a multi-notch filter disposed along a beam path.

Abstract: A method for identifying a photoluminescent material that, after excitation with excitation light, emits emission light having different wavelengths is disclosed. The method includes irradiating the photoluminescent material with the excitation light, detecting a temporal intensity curve of at least two emission light components having different wavelengths, which components are emitted from the photoluminescent material as a result of the excitation, calculating initial intensities of the emission light components at a common time, determining at least one intensity parameter by correlating the calculated initial intensities, determining at least one decay parameter value for each of the emission light components from a time progression of their intensity and identifying the photoluminescent material using the intensity parameter(s) and the decay parameter values.

Abstract: The present invention provides for metallic nanostructures or nanoburgers comprising a dielectric layer positioned between metallic layers and their use in metal enhanced emissions systems to enhance emissions from fluorophores, including intrinsic and extrinsic; luminophores; bioluminescent species and/or chemiluminescent species. The multilayer nanoburgers exhibit several distinctive properties including significantly enhanced intensity of emissions, decreased lifetime and increased photostability by simply varying the thickness of the dielectric layer while maintaining a constant thickness of the two metallic layers on opposite sides of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A fluorescence meter for analyzing a sample, comprising a main beam path and at least one optical module. The fluorescence meter is embodied so as to provide at least one electromagnetic beam for exciting the sample and receive at least one electromagnetic beam emitted by the sample, at least some sections of at least two of the electromagnetic beams being located on one plane while extending along the main beam path.

Abstract: Lipophilic fluorescent substances can be used to detect surface defects in materials having hydrophilic (e.g., inorganic) coatings. Use of the described methods makes surface defects appear fluorescent, while the remaining surfaces are not labeled. The disclosed methods are inexpensive, rapid, and easy alternatives to existing approaches.

Abstract: Systems and methods evaluate material in rotary motion. Exposure duration is calculated based upon an intensity of radiation incident upon a sample area of the material and a desired radiation exposure for the material. Angular velocity for a rotational stage is calculated based upon the sample area, the calculated exposure duration, and an initial position of a linear stage. The initial position of the linear stage, the initial velocity of the linear stage, and the initial angular velocity of the rotational stage are set and a radiation generator is activated. The system then waits for time to read the next data sample based upon the calculated exposure duration and a fluorescence level of the material is determined. Angular velocity of the rotational stage and linear velocity of the linear stage are controlled based upon positional sensors to capture data from all areas of the material at the desired radiation exposure.

Abstract: Upconversion fluorescent nano-structured material(s) comprising at least one compound of formula (M1)j(M2)kXn:(M3)q and at least one polymer, wherein: each X is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of: halogen, O, S, Se, Te, N, P and As; each M1, if present, is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, O and NH4; each M2 is the same or different and is a metal ion; each M3, independently, is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; j is 0?j?10; k is 1?k?10; n is 1?n?10; and q is 1?q?10. In particular, the polymer is wherein the polymer soluble in polar solvents.