Micro-lens Array Optical Imaging Detector for Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging detectors, particularly CCD-based systems, are bulky and non-contact designs with fibre-optics suffer from animal handling issues and limited spatial resolution, making them unsuitable for tomographic imaging and dual-modality applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical imaging detector using a micro-lens array with position-sensitive photo detectors, allowing for high spatial and temporal resolution, and enabling non-contact, three-dimensional imaging without the need for bulky lenses or contact with the imaged object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CCD-based non-contact optical imaging detectors are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device size becomes bulky and unsuitable for tomographic imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into multiple small-area photodetector elements arranged in a matrix, each element being small enough to eliminate the need for bulky lenses while collectively providing high detection sensitivity through parallel detection across multiple pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lens system is replaced by a direct optical coupling arrangement where photons detected by individual photodetector elements are directly processed without requiring focal length, eliminating the bulky lens component while maintaining detection capability
2Volume of moving object
If fibre-optics based contact optical imaging detectors are used, then device size is reduced, but spatial resolution is limited and animal handling becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detector uses a matrix of multiple small-area photodetector elements where each element provides independent spatial sampling, achieving high spatial resolution through the distributed array rather than through contact with the imaged object
Solution Approach 2:
A light-guiding element with a diffusing portion is introduced as an intermediary between the imaged object and the photodetector elements. This diffusing portion distributes incident photons across multiple detector elements, enabling high spatial resolution without requiring contact between the detector and the object
3Ease of operation
If CCD cameras with lenses are used, then planar imaging is achieved, but the system cannot perform tomographic imaging or dual-modality imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is designed with a matrix of photodetector elements that can function for both planar imaging and tomographic imaging by rotating around the imaged object. The same detector structure supports multiple imaging modalities including fluorescence, bioluminescence, and combined PET/optical imaging, providing universal applicability
4Device complexity
If CCD detectors are used without cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy decreases due to thermal electron noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive photodetector elements with small detection areas that inherently produce low thermal noise. These elements can operate at room temperature without requiring complex cooling systems, achieving acceptable detection accuracy through the small active area of each pixel rather than through thermal management
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The micro-lens array detector provides high sensitivity and spatial resolution, enabling efficient tomographic imaging and simultaneous dual-modality imaging, reducing animal handling complexity and improving system integration, with the ability to perform fully 3-dimensional acquisition of in vivo distributions of optical markers.
Implementation Method 1
The micro-lenses of the micro-lens array are arranged to collimate light emitted from the imaged object onto a photo detector
Implementation Method 2
CCDs (charge coupled devices) are charge coupled imaging sensors that serve for highly sensitive detection of photons. A photon falling onto a pixel liberates at least one electron that is held fixed by an electrical potential at the location of the pixel
Implementation Method 3
to collimate light emitted from the imaged object onto a photo detector or (for certain applications) to project light towards the imaged object onto a part of the object to be imaged
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical imaging detector for fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging of an imaged object that can be used for tomographic imaging. The optical imaging detector comprises at least one micro-lens array with a plurality of micro-lenses. A photo detector can be located either in the focal plane of the micro-lens array or can be connected to the micro-lens array by a network of optical fibers and be located externally.