An ICCD camera-based time-domain ultrasound-switchable fluorescence imaging system.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Fluorescence Imaging

Background:

• High-resolution, centimeter-deep fluorescence imaging is crucial for biomedical applications.
• Ultrasound-switchable fluorescence (USF) imaging is a promising modality for deep-tissue imaging.
• Previous work established USF imaging with various contrast agents and systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and demonstrate a novel time-domain USF imaging system.
• To utilize an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera for enhanced imaging.
• To explore the capabilities of time-domain USF imaging for deep-tissue visualization.

Main Methods:

• Development of an ICCD camera-based, time-domain USF imaging system.
• Demonstration of the time-domain USF principle using two USF contrast agents.
• Systematic evaluation of experimental parameters and their impact on image quality.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of time-domain USF imaging with an ICCD camera.
• Characterization of trade-offs between acquisition parameters (time, ultrasound power, depth) and image quality (SNR, resolution).
• Identification of strategies for optimizing image quality in the time-domain USF system.

Conclusions:

• The developed time-domain USF imaging system offers a new approach for deep-tissue fluorescence imaging.
• Understanding parameter trade-offs is essential for achieving high-quality USF images.
• This technology holds potential for advancing biomedical imaging applications.