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FAST v.1

The new advanced FAST (Fluorescence Analysis Software Technology) package for the analysis of fluorescence kinetics is the result of a collaboration between Edinburgh Instruments and Alango.

FAST (Fluorescence Analysis Software Technology) performs advanced analysis of Fluorescence Kinetics. It effectively combines a user friendly, graphical interface with sophisticated mathematical algorithms for solving the associated ill-posed optimization problems.

FAST software is based on Alango proprietary and well proven computational algorithms providing fast and reliable automatic fitting. The two main proprietary algorithms used are: Global Least Squares Analysis (GLSA) minimization algorithm and Non-negative Truncated Singular Value Decomposition (NTSVD) approach.

GLSA minimization algorithm and software library were developed for the treatment of unstable, non-linear least squares optimisation problems with multiple local minima. Performance of traditional Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm is generally inadequate for these types of problems that are typical for multiset/multimodel fitting tasks.
Exceptional robustness of GLSA approach is achieved by:

-	Ensuring that only reliable directions are considered on each iteration step. Singular value decomposition of the corresponding Jacobian matrix provides the necessary information
-	Adaptive step length strategy used for numerical differentiation while computing the Jacobian matrix

NTSVD algorithm and the corresponding software library were developed for the treatment of severe ill-posed mathematical problems where the condition of non-negativity may be applied to the solution due to physical nature of the problem. Such condition may provided significant stabilization of the problem allowing to recover multidimensional information from otherwise untreatable problem. NTSVD algorithm is the only approach that combines:

-	Singular Value Decomposition - the most effective way for stabilization of ill-posed mathematical problems
-	Non Negative Least Squares (NNLS) algorithm

Global Lifetime Data Analysis

The Global Analysis routine implements a proprietary algorithm for reliable non-linear least squares data analysis with minimal dependence on initial conditions and minimal probability of resulting at a local minimum. This is the only commercial, general-purpose library that allows the simultaneous fitting of several data sets while some of optimized parameters are linked together. The classical, one data set, one model function fit is implemented as a particular case of a more general multi-model, multi-set problem. This functionality is achieved by using GLSA software library.

Discrete Components Analysis

Discrete Components Analysis provides robust multi-exponential analysis (up to four components) with automatic choice of initial conditions. Robust convergence in ensured by using GLSA algorithm. Shift and background are estimated automatically or fixed to predefined values. The fitting channel range is easily changed if the full range is inadequate.

Distribution of Lifetime Analysis

Robust, easy to use Distribution Analysis allows recovering of lifetime distribution function with up to 200 logarithmically or linear scaled distribution columns and simultaneous (optional) estimation of shift and background parameters. The functionality is based on NTSVD software library. The fitting channels range is easily changed. The optimal level or "regularization" is set automatically. A priori information about the distribution may be utilized by using a "resolution slider" that allows making other than default trade-off between the smoothness and fitting quality.

Advanced Analysis of Time Resolved Fluorescence Anisotropy

Six different anisotropy functions can be selected:

Spherical molecules in solution

Disk like or rod like molecules in solution

Fully symmetric molecules in solution

Restricted motion of spherical molecules

Restricted motion of spherical molecules and freely rotating molecules

Spherical rotors in solution.

Anisotropy analysis is based on GLSA library providing simultaneous fitting of parallel and crossed polarization data with automatic estimation of G factor.

Quenching and other models

These functionalities will be added in the upcoming updates. Updates will be available for free download from our web site.

Additional functionality

FAST includes many other new features that make it unique software for fluorescence kinetics analysis:

Simultaneous plot of fluorescence kinetic, instrument response function, residuals, computed graphical representation of multi-exponential analysis and numerical results

Simultaneous analysis and overlapping presentation of results for several fluorescence kinetics greatly simplifies comparison without using any external software

Simultaneous analysis and results presentation of experimental data by different processing methods provides additional confidence in the results

Export of results in text format or in one of popular image formats

Export of results into file or clipboard for easy import into documents, presentations and image handling software

Report generation in HTML, "internet ready" formal for easy, operating system independent exchange and posting on a customer web site

External control interface allows running and controlling FAST software from other applications

Supported data format

Besides simple ASCII formats, FAST supports native data formats of the following manufacturers:

Edinburgh Instruments Ltd.

Becker & Hickl GmbH.

FAST screenshot examples

FAST is now exclusively distributed by Edinburgh Instruments.
For more information on FAST and to download a demo version please visit www.edinst.com/fast.htm