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We report here the dramatic increase in fluorescence intensity of 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin (coumarin 1 ) laser dye in the restricted geometry of a pillared clay nanocomposite. The fluorescence intensity of the alumina-pillared fluorphlogopitecoumarin complex is about 6 times greater than that of the fluorphlogopite-coumarin complex. The prevention of dye aggregation and the change of the crystal field surrounding the coumarin dye molecules in the compartments between pillars apparently lead to this fluorescence enhancement. The positive results obtained here may lead to the potential application of dye-intercalated nanocomposite clays in linear and non-linear optics.

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We present an LED light source for use with standard clinical endoscopes to enable visualization of tissues labeled with quantum dots (QDs). QD-assisted endoscopy may improve the outcome of surgical endoscopic procedures by identifying specific tissue types. QDs offer several advantages over current fluorescent stains due to their high target selectivity, long-lasting fluorescence, large excitation and narrow emission bands, and multiplexing capabilities. The prototype presented is compact, modular in design, and was built at low cost making it competitive with commercially available light sources. The device's efficiency is evaluated by measuring light intensity at discreet locations and by successfully illuminating a chicken tissue sample non-specifically labeled with a 250nM or 500nM QD solution. Ultimately, this device serves as a step towards incorporating QDs into real time, image-guided surgical procedures.