NIR-II Fluorescence Imaging via Single Detector and Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence-based imaging systems face challenges such as structural and operational complexity, limited sensitivity due to narrow spectral bands, and the need for precise optical alignment, which hinders real-time detection and assessment of targets both on and within objects, particularly in tumor detection.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence-based imaging system utilizing a single optical detector and multiple light sources emitting at different wavelengths within the NIR-II spectral band, allowing for simultaneous or time-multiplexed illumination, enabling the acquisition of both reflectance and fluorescence images along the same optical path without the need for precise alignment, and employing judiciously chosen fluorophores with large Stokes shifts to reduce autofluorescence interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras or sequential image acquisition are used to capture visible and fluorescence images, then spectral coverage is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to required image registration and precise optical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visible and fluorescence imaging capabilities into a single camera system with a single optical path. The detector is configured to sequentially capture both visible light and fluorescence emissions without requiring multiple cameras or complex image registration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining spectral coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both visible imaging and fluorescence imaging using the same optical train and detector. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized cameras for each modality, reducing operational difficulty and alignment requirements
2Measurement precision
If spectral filters are used to maintain spectral purity in silicon-based detection systems, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral filtering function from the optical path by using a detector with inherent spectral sensitivity to the fluorescence emission wavelength. This eliminates the need for additional spectral filters while maintaining spectral purity, thereby reducing device complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate detectors are used to capture radiation in different spectral bands, then spectral detection capability is improved, but device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectral detection capabilities into a single detector that can capture both visible and fluorescence wavelengths. This single-detector approach eliminates the need for precise optical alignment between multiple detectors while maintaining the ability to detect radiation across different spectral bands
4Loss of information
If image fusion is performed to create combined images from multiple detectors, then information completeness is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures both visible and fluorescence image data simultaneously using a single detector in sequential mode, eliminating the need for post-acquisition image fusion processing. This approach maintains complete information from both modalities while significantly reducing processing time and operational complexity
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
This approach enables real-time, high-contrast imaging of targets within biological tissues with improved signal-to-noise ratio and depth discrimination, reducing operational complexity and enhancing tumor detection capabilities without the need for precise optical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the first fluorescent light includes fluorescence generated, at a first fluorescence wavelength, at a first portion of the object as a result of interaction of the object with the second light
Implementation Method 2
Both the first wavelength and the first fluorescence wavelengths are within the spectral band of operation... the first light and first fluorescent light are received by the single optical detector along the same optical path through said optical train
Data Source
AI summary
System and method configured to operate under conditions when the object being imaged destroys or negates the information which otherwise allows the user to take advantage of optical parallax, configured to elicit luminescence from the same targets in the object as a result of irradiation of these targets with pump light at different, respectively corresponding wavelengths, and acquire optical data from so-illuminated targets through the very same optical path to image the object at different wavelengths. One embodiment enables acquisition, by the same optical detector and from the same object, of imaging data that includes a reflectance image and multiple fluorescence-based images caused by light at different wavelengths, to assess difference in depths of locations of targets within the object.