An Ultra-High Frame Rate Ion Imaging Platform Using ISFET Arrays With Real-Time Compression

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics and Lab-on-Chip Technology
• Advanced Sensor Systems
• Image Processing and Compression

Background:

• High-speed ion imaging is crucial for understanding dynamic chemical and biological processes.
• Existing technologies often lack the necessary throughput and real-time processing capabilities.
• Need for integrated solutions combining high-resolution sensing with efficient data handling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platform for ultra-high throughput, real-time ion imaging.
• To achieve high spatial and temporal resolution in ion detection.
• To implement real-time image compression for efficient data management.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a CMOS ISFET (Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor) array biased for linear pH-to-current conversion.
• Implemented in-pixel reset switches for offset compensation and auto-zeroing for noise reduction.
• Integrated a row-parallel single slope ADC and a USB 3.0 interface for high-speed readout and JPEG compression.

Main Results:

• Achieved a frame rate of 6100 fps (7800 fps simulated) for ion imaging.
• Demonstrated real-time ion image visualization of high-speed ion diffusion.
• Verified an optimized JPEG algorithm for high compression ratios without quality loss.

Conclusions:

• The developed LoC platform enables ion imaging at speeds exceeding current state-of-the-art by over two times.
• The system offers a powerful tool for real-time analysis of fast ion dynamics.
• Integration of sensing, readout, and compression provides a complete solution for high-speed ion imaging.