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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Fluorescence Lifetime Macro Imager for Biomedical Applications

Fluorescence Lifetime Macro Imager for Biomedical Applications

Published on: April 7, 2023

Macroscopic fluorescent lifetime imaging in turbid media using angular filter arrays.

M Najiminaini¹, F Vasefi, B Kaminska

¹The School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.

Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference

|December 8, 2009

Summary

This study presents a new optical imaging method for detecting fluorescent agents deep within turbid media. The technique uses an angular filter array to achieve sub-millimeter resolution imaging of fluorophores.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical Optics
Medical Imaging
Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Background:

Detecting fluorescent agents in turbid media, like biological tissues, is challenging due to light scattering.
Existing optical imaging methods often struggle with depth penetration and resolution in scattering environments.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and demonstrate an optical imaging methodology for detecting subsurface fluorophores in turbid media.
To extract lifetime properties of fluorescent agents using the developed imaging technique.

Main Methods:

Utilized a femtosecond pulsed laser to excite fluorophores within tissue-mimicking phantoms.
Employed an angular filter array to collimate detected photons, accepting trajectories within 0.5 degrees of the axis.
Used an ultra-fast gated intensified CCD camera for detecting fluorescent emission, rejecting scattered light.

Main Results:

Achieved sub-millimeter resolution imaging up to 5 mm deep within turbid media.
Demonstrated a large field of view, approximately 2 cm x 2 cm.
The angular filter array's performance was independent of laser coherence or wavelength.

Conclusions:

The developed optical imaging methodology effectively detects fluorescent agents below the surface of turbid media.
The technique shows promise for applications requiring deep-tissue imaging and lifetime property extraction.
The angular filter array is a key component enabling high-resolution imaging in scattering environments.