High-resolution imaging of plant delayed luminescence

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Photophysics
• Biophotonics

Background:

• Delayed luminescence (DL) offers insights into photophysical mechanisms via spatiotemporal dynamics.
• Quantitative analysis of DL is crucial for understanding molecular relaxation states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-sensitivity delayed luminescence imaging system.
• To achieve megapixel resolution for full-field spatiotemporal DL imaging.
• To establish a theoretical framework for DL dynamics in plant research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a quantitative scientific complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (qCMOS) camera with single-photon counting resolution.
• Optimized optical architecture and signal processing algorithms.
• Developed a two-level quantum model linking DL dynamics to excited-state electron populations.

Main Results:

• Observed spatial heterogeneity in DL intensity in *Arabidopsis thaliana*, with higher signals in veins and injury sites.
• Detected species-specific DL responses to oxidative stress in *Hydrocotyle vulgaris* and *Ginkgo biloba*.
• Found white light maximized DL intensity, while red and blue light modulated decay kinetics differently.

Conclusions:

• The developed DL imaging system provides a framework for plant phenotyping under stress.
• The study advances theoretical understanding of photophysical research and light environment optimization.
• Results highlight DL's potential for non-invasive plant stress assessment.