New luminescence lifetime macro-imager based on a Tpx3Cam optical camera

Area of Science:

• Optical Imaging
• Sensor Technology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Phosphorescent lifetime imaging (PLIM) is a valuable technique for quantitative measurements.
• Existing PLIM systems may have limitations in speed, resolution, or sample area coverage.
• The Tpx3Cam offers advanced features for high-performance imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the suitability of the novel Tpx3Cam for macroscopic wide-field phosphorescent lifetime imaging (PLIM).
• To characterize and optimize the performance of the Tpx3Cam-based PLIM system.
• To demonstrate the system's capability for imaging oxygen in various samples.

Main Methods:

• Coupling the Tpx3Cam with an image intensifier, emission filter, and lens for macro-imaging.
• Utilizing pulsed 627nm LED excitation for a 18x18 mm sample area.
• Characterizing the system using phosphorescent O2 sensors and a resolution plate mask.
• Evaluating acquisition and image processing algorithms for performance optimization.

Main Results:

• The Tpx3Cam-based system achieved high time resolution (1.6 ns) and readout rate (80 MP/s).
• Optimized algorithms improved system resolution and performance for wide-field PLIM.
• Successful imaging of various phosphorescent samples, including O2 sensors, was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The developed Tpx3Cam-based wide-field PLIM system is a promising tool for advanced imaging applications.
• The system demonstrates significant potential for phosphorescence lifetime-based oxygen imaging in diverse chemical and biological contexts.
• Further development and application of this technology are warranted.