New approach for spectral characterization of crude oil using time-resolved fluorescence spectra

Spectral characterization of four crude oils was attempted by using a different approach for time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (TRF) techniques. The TRF spectra were excited by pulsed UV laser radiation at 250 nm and were measured at specific time windows of equal gate widths along the trailing edge of the pulsed laser. Contour diagrams of equal fluorescence intensities were then constructed to serve as unique fingerprints for the crude oils. The method does not require that the laser pulse be deconvoluted from the fluorescence signal, which makes it attractive for remote characterization of crude oil.