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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Fluorescence Lifetime Macro Imager for Biomedical Applications

Fluorescence Lifetime Macro Imager for Biomedical Applications

Published on: April 7, 2023

An inexpensive programmable illumination microscope with active feedback.

Nathan Tompkins¹, Seth Fraden¹

¹Physics Department, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453.

American Journal of Physics

|September 20, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

We created a low-cost programmable illumination system that tracks multiple objects simultaneously. This automated system enables complex experiments with structured light, all for under $4,000.

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Area of Science:

Optical engineering
Biophysics
Microscopy

Background:

Simultaneous tracking and illumination of multiple objects is crucial for high-throughput experiments.
Existing systems are often expensive and lack flexibility in illumination patterns.
Developing cost-effective, adaptable illumination solutions is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a programmable illumination system using low-cost components for simultaneous object tracking and illumination.
To enable spatially and temporally structured illumination for complex experimental designs.
To demonstrate a functional system assembled for under $4,000.

Main Methods:

Utilized a static stage with computational tracking of objects across the field of view.
Implemented active feedback control software for a closed-loop tracking and perturbation system.
Integrated a consumer projector, camera, and standard optical components for illumination and imaging.

Main Results:

Successfully developed a system capable of tracking and illuminating numerous objects concurrently.
Demonstrated the ability to apply algorithmically determined, spatially and temporally structured illumination patterns.
Achieved simultaneous imaging and perturbation using different light colors.

Conclusions:

The developed system offers a cost-effective solution for advanced optical experiments.
Programmable, structured illumination with simultaneous tracking enhances experimental throughput and complexity.
This approach democratizes access to sophisticated optical manipulation techniques.