Multimodality system of x-ray and fluorescence based on Fourier single-pixel imaging for small animals

The multimodality imaging system has become a powerful tool for in-vivo biomedical research. However, a conventional multimodality system generally employs two independent detectors, which is costly and bulky. Meanwhile, the geometric cocalibration and image registration between the imaging modalities are also complicated.

To acquire the multimodality images for small animals with only one visible light sensed single-pixel detector.

The system is built based on a structured detection Fourier single-pixel imaging architecture. A cesium iodide doped with thallium [CsI(Tl)] scintillator plate is placed behind the sample in x-ray imaging, so the x-ray images can be converted to be visible and sensed with the same single-pixel detector as applied in fluorescence imaging.

The spatial resolution of x-ray imaging was measured to be 1.81 mm, the sensitivity and the imaging depth of fluorescence imaging was evaluated to be ∼1.48 nmol / ml and 4 mm, respectively. In vivo multimodality imaging of a C57BL/6 female mouse bearing tumor targeted with mCherry was carried out.

We proposed an x-ray and fluorescence multimodality imaging system for small animals via the structured detection FSI architecture. The system is low cost, with a more compact structure, and free of image registration from different modalities. In vivo multimodality imaging results of a mouse bearing tumor demonstrate its capability for small animal research.