Accelerated SPAD-Based Diffuse Optical Tomography With Data-Driven View Optimization

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Time-domain diffuse optical tomography (TD-DOT) is a non-invasive imaging technique using near-infrared light.
• Advanced SPAD arrays improve TD-DOT data quality but increase acquisition times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a data-driven strategy to reduce the number of views in TD-DOT acquisition.
• To accelerate TD-DOT imaging without compromising image quality for biological monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Developed a noncontact TD-DOT system with a pulsed laser, SPAD array, and rotational stage.
• Implemented a data-driven view-optimization strategy leveraging time-resolved measurements.
• Validated the method using simulations and phantom experiments.

Main Results:

• The proposed method significantly reduces the number of required views in TD-DOT.
• Image reconstruction quality remained robust and comparable to full-view acquisition.
• The accelerated TD-DOT demonstrated potential for monitoring dynamic biological processes.

Conclusions:

• A novel view-optimization strategy accelerates TD-DOT imaging.
• This technique maintains high-fidelity reconstruction, enabling efficient monitoring of biological dynamics like cerebral hemodynamics.