High Frequency Digital Frequency Domain Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging System For Applications On Tissues
§ Higher sampling rate (640 MHz) § Works with any FPGA chip § Inexpensive (electronics are < $100) § Use of a USB 3.0 data transmission chip
Fluorescence measurements, biological tissue imaging
Background: Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a technique used to create near real-time images by exploiting the exponential decay properties of fluorescent samples. In the frequency domain, FLIM involves applying a pulsed source of light to a sample, in order to excite fluorescence, and measuring the phase difference between the emitted fluorescence and the original pulsed light. Additionally, changes in the amplitude of the emitted fluorescence are measured relative to the pulsed source. Information gleaned from these measurements can then be used to construct a digital image representation of the sample. The technique has broad imaging applications, but a subfield with great potential for medical impact is the characterization of biological tissues using their auto-fluorescence properties. Problem: The fluorescence band in tissues is up to 1 GHz, however, the frequency response of previous FLIM instrumentation only reaches 320 MHz, leading to information loss. A technology that improves the frequency response detection would represent a significant advance in the field. Solution: Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a technology which combines code written in VHDL (a language specifically designed for hardware such as high speed integrated circuits) with field programmable gate arrays (a type of integrated circuit) currently on the marketResult is an invention that allows for frequency domain FLIM at an improved 640 MHz sampling rateNew sampling rate opens up possibility of detection of higher order laser harmonics Key aspects of this technology: 640 MHz sampling rateNew version digital frequency domain heterodyning with less noiseTechnology can work with all confocal microscopesHigher photons throughput due to USB 3.0
State Of Development Working prototype for fluorescence measurements Concept stage for tissue applications Tech ID/UC Case 29001/2017-187-0 Related Cases 2017-187-0
USA
