Project Details
Projekt
Miniaturized 3D printed platform for quantitative multispectral imaging of turbid media in the spatial frequency domain using elastically scattered light and fluorescence
Subject Area
Measurement Systems
Microsystems
Microsystems
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 537519988
The goal of the proposed project is to develop a highly miniaturized multispectral imaging platform in the spatial frequency domain, including a unique evaluation software. The miniaturization of the device will be achieved by using novel 3D printing techniques for micro-optical systems, specifically two-photon lithography. The 3D printed optics are used for the generation of structured illumination and also for multispectral imaging acquisition, offering a high platform flexibility in perspective. For the accurate evaluation of the measurements, we will derive analytical solutions of the radiative transport equation considering, for the first time, the exact illumination and detection geometry. The compact platform is expected to enable a wide range of applications in the medical, biomedical, food or consumer market, and clearly stands out from the state of the art in terms of complexity, cost and package space. At the end of the project, a demonstrator with novel evaluation software will be available with the following specifications: The dimensions of the platform are within 25 x 25 mm², with all optical components for imaging and pattern generation fabricated entirely by direct two-photon laser lithography. The demonstrator thereby provides at least 6 different switchable illumination patterns and 9 parallel spectral imaging channels. Fluorescence pattern projection and imaging will be integrated as an additional modality. For the quantitative evaluation of the images with respect to absorption, fluorescence and scattering properties, a forward solver based on exact solutions of the radiative transfer equation and, furthermore, an efficient inverse solver for the determination of the optical properties are developed. The demonstrator device will be evaluated using optically accurately characterized phantoms, which are also developed in the project.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
Co-Investigator
Dr.-Ing. Andrea Toulouse
