Optical Image Acquisition Research Articles

Reconstruction of perspective shifts and refocusing of a three-dimensional scene from a multi-focus image stack.

The convergence of optical imaging acquisition and image processing algorithms is a fast-evolving interdisciplinary research field focused on the reconstruction of images with novel features of interest. We propose a method for post-capture perspective shift reconstruction (in the x, y, and z directions) of a three-dimensional scene as well as refocusing with apertures of arbitrary shapes and sizes from an optimal multi-focus image stack. The approach is based on the reorganization of the acquired visual information considering a depth-variant point-spread function, which allows it to be applied to strongly defocused multi-focus image stacks. Our method is performed without estimating the depth map or segmenting the in-focus regions. A conventional camera combined with an electrically tunable lens is used for image acquisition and does not require scale transformation or registration between the acquired images. Experimental results for both real and synthetic data images are provided and compared to state-of-the-art schemes.

Simultaneous Advanced Microscopies for Live Cell Signaling Dynamics Investigations

We present a new type of combined microscopy for the life sciences based on the integration of differential spinning disk fluorescence optical sectioning microscopy and nanomechanical mapping Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).[1] Our hardware platform creates the opportunity for simultaneous acquisition of membrane receptor recognition maps and fluorescence optical sectioning images of live cells, providing new experimental capabilities in cell signaling investigations.Simultaneous spatio-temporal generation of AFM and fluorescence microscopy data is made possible through time-independent illumination at low light intensities of the AFM cantilever that strongly reduces the interaction of AFM cantilever motion with fluorescence excitation light as compared to existing hardware integration platforms based on confocal laser scanning microscopy and AFM. Namely, fluorescence excitation light has the capability to induced cantilever heating and subsequent sample heating through heat conduction. We identify several system specific noise-sources that can interfere with live cell investigations and describe solutions to mitigate them.[1] Miranda, A., Martins, M. & De Beule, P. A. A. Simultaneous differential spinning disk fluorescence optical sectioning microscopy and nanomechanical mapping atomic force microscopy. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 86, 093705 (2015).

Detection and spatiotemporal analysis of methane ebullition on thermokarst lake ice using high-resolution optical aerial imagery

Abstract. Thermokarst lakes are important emitters of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. However, accurate estimation of methane flux from thermokarst lakes is difficult due to their remoteness and observational challenges associated with the heterogeneous nature of ebullition. We used high-resolution (9–11 cm) snow-free aerial images of an interior Alaskan thermokarst lake acquired 2 and 4 days following freeze-up in 2011 and 2012, respectively, to detect and characterize methane ebullition seeps and to estimate whole-lake ebullition. Bubbles impeded by the lake ice sheet form distinct white patches as a function of bubbling when lake ice grows downward and around them, trapping the gas in the ice. Our aerial imagery thus captured a snapshot of bubbles trapped in lake ice during the ebullition events that occurred before the image acquisition. Image analysis showed that low-flux A- and B-type seeps are associated with low brightness patches and are statistically distinct from high-flux C-type and hotspot seeps associated with high brightness patches. Mean whole-lake ebullition based on optical image analysis in combination with bubble-trap flux measurements was estimated to be 174 ± 28 and 216 ± 33 mL gas m−2 d−1 for the years 2011 and 2012, respectively. A large number of seeps demonstrated spatiotemporal stability over our 2-year study period. A strong inverse exponential relationship (R2 > = 0.79) was found between the percent of the surface area of lake ice covered with bubble patches and distance from the active thermokarst lake margin. Even though the narrow timing of optical image acquisition is a critical factor, with respect to both atmospheric pressure changes and snow/no-snow conditions during early lake freeze-up, our study shows that optical remote sensing is a powerful tool to map ebullition seeps on lake ice, to identify their relative strength of ebullition, and to assess their spatiotemporal variability.

Simultaneous calcium fluorescence imaging and MR ofex vivoorganotypic cortical cultures: a new test bed for functional MRI

Recently, several new functional (f)MRI contrast mechanisms including diffusion, phase imaging, proton density, etc. have been proposed to measure neuronal activity more directly and accurately than blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) fMRI. However, these approaches have proved difficult to reproduce, mainly because of the dearth of reliable and robust test systems to vet and validate them. Here we describe the development and testing of such a test bed for non-BOLD fMRI. Organotypic cortical cultures were used as a stable and reproducible biological model of neuronal activity that shows spontaneous activity similar to that of in vivo brain cortex without any hemodynamic confounds. An open-access, single-sided magnetic resonance (MR) "profiler" consisting of four permanent magnets with magnetic field of 0.32 T was used in this study to perform MR acquisition. A fluorescence microscope with long working distance objective was mounted on the top of a custom-designed chamber that keeps the organotypic culture vital, and the MR system was mounted on the bottom of the chamber to achieve real-time simultaneous calcium fluorescence optical imaging and MR acquisition on the same specimen. In this study, the reliability and performance of the proposed test bed were demonstrated by a conventional CPMG MR sequence acquired simultaneously with calcium imaging, which is a well-characterized measurement of neuronal activity. This experimental design will make it possible to correlate directly the other candidate functional MR signals to the optical indicia of neuronal activity in the future.

Quantification of light attenuation in optically cleared mouse brains.

Optical clearing, in combination with recently developed optical imaging techniques, enables visualization and acquisition of high-resolution, three-dimensional images of biological structures deep within the tissue. Many different approaches can be used to reduce light absorption and scattering within the tissue, but there is a paucity of research on the quantification of clearing efficacy. With the use of a custom-made spectroscopy system, we developed a way to quantify the quality of clearing in biological tissue and applied it to the mouse brain. Three clearing techniques were compared: BABB (1:2 mixture of benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate, also known as Murray’s clear), pBABB (peroxide BABB, a modification of BABB which includes the use of hydrogen peroxide), and passive CLARITY. We found that BABB and pBABB produced the highest degree of optical clearing. Furthermore, the approach allows regional measurement of light attenuation to be performed, and our results show that light is most attenuated in regions with high lipid content. We provide a way to choose between the multiple clearing protocols available, and it could prove useful for evaluating images that are acquired with cleared tissues.

An in-vacuo optical levitation trap for high-intensity laser interaction experiments with isolated microtargets

We report on the design, construction, and characterisation of a new class of in-vacuo optical levitation trap optimised for use in high-intensity, high-energy laser interaction experiments. The system uses a focused, vertically propagating continuous wave laser beam to capture and manipulate micro-targets by photon momentum transfer at much longer working distances than commonly used by optical tweezer systems. A high speed (10 kHz) optical imaging and signal acquisition system was implemented for tracking the levitated droplets position and dynamic behaviour under atmospheric and vacuum conditions, with ±5 μm spatial resolution. Optical trapping of 10 ± 4 μm oil droplets in vacuum was demonstrated, over timescales of >1 h at extended distances of ∼40 mm from the final focusing optic. The stability of the levitated droplet was such that it would stay in alignment with a ∼7 μm irradiating beam focal spot for up to 5 min without the need for re-adjustment. The performance of the trap was assessed in a series of high-intensity (10(17) W cm(-2)) laser experiments that measured the X-ray source size and inferred free-electron temperature of a single isolated droplet target, along with a measurement of the emitted radio-frequency pulse. These initial tests demonstrated the use of optically levitated microdroplets as a robust target platform for further high-intensity laser interaction and point source studies.

TH-C-17A-12: Integrated CBCT and Optical Tomography System On-Board a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP)

Purpose: We present a newly developed on-board optical tomography system for SARRP. Innovative features include the compact design and fast acquisition optical method to perform 3D soft tissue radiation guidance. Because of the on-board feature and the combination of the CBCT, diffusive optical tomography (DOT), bioluminescence and fluorescence tomography (BLT and FT), this integrated system is expected to provide more accurate soft tissue guidance than an off-line system as well as highly sensitive functional imaging in preclinical research. Methods: Images are acquired in the order of CBCT, DOT and then BLT/FT, where the SARRP CBCT and DOT are used to provide the anatomical and optical properties information to enhance the subsequent BLT/FT optical reconstruction. The SARRP stage is redesigned to include 9 imbedded optical fibers in contact with the animal's skin. These fibers, connected to a white light lamp or laser, serve as the light sources for the DOT or FT, respectively. A CCD camera with f/1.4 lens and multi-spectral filter set is used as the optical detector and is mounted on a portable cart ready to dock into the SARRP. No radiation is delivered during optical image acquisition. A 3-way mirror system capable of 180 degree rotation around the animal reflects the optical signal to the camera at multiple projection angles. A special black-painted dome covers the stage and provides the light shielding. Results: Spontaneous metastatic bioluminescent liver and lung tumor models will be used to validate the 3D BLT reconstruction. To demonstrate the capability of our FT system, GastroSense750 fluorescence agent will be used to imaging the mouse stomach and intestinal region in 3D. Conclusion: We expect that this integrated CBCT and optical tomography on-board a SARRP will present new research opportunities for pre-clinical radiation research. Supported by NCI RO1-CA 158100

Advanced Fiber Soliton Sources for Nonlinear Deep Tissue Imaging in Biophotonics

Optical imaging plays a major role in both basic biological research and clinical diagnostics, providing noninvasive or minimally invasive microscopic imaging capability to investigate biological tissues. Optical image acquisition through significant depths of biological tissues, however, presents a major challenge since tissue is extremely heterogeneous and the strong scattering of the various tissue components has restricted high-resolution optical imaging to superficial layers. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) has significantly extended the penetration depth of high-resolution optical imaging, particularly for in vivo applications. Multiphoton imaging critically depends on ultrafast technologies, particularly pulsed excitation sources. In this paper, the basics of deep tissue MPM and its improvements utilizing soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) are reviewed. Wavelength tunable, high-energy soliton generation through SSFS in large-mode-area (LMA) fibers and photonic crystal rods is presented. The application of these solitons to MPM enables noninvasive imaging in biological tissues with unprecedented depth. The main characteristics of the excitation source for deep tissue MPM, such as wavelength, pulse energy, and repetition rate, are discussed.

Tumor Tracking Method Based on a Deformable 4D CT Breathing Motion Model Driven by an External Surface Surrogate

To develop a tumor tracking method based on a surrogate-driven motion model, which provides noninvasive dynamic localization of extracranial targets for the compensation of respiration-induced intrafraction motion in high-precision radiation therapy. The proposed approach is based on a patient-specific breathing motion model, derived a priori from 4-dimensional planning computed tomography (CT) images. Model parameters (respiratory baseline, amplitude, and phase) are retrieved and updated at each treatment fraction according to in-room radiography acquisition and optical surface imaging. The baseline parameter is adapted to the interfraction variations obtained from the daily cone beam (CB) CT scan. The respiratory amplitude and phase are extracted from an external breathing surrogate, estimated from the displacement of the patient thoracoabdominal surface, acquired with a noninvasive surface imaging device. The developed method was tested on a database of 7 lung cancer patients, including the synchronized information on internal and external respiratory motion during a CBCT scan. About 30 seconds of simultaneous acquisition of CBCT and optical surface images were analyzed for each patient. The tumor trajectories identified in CBCT projections were used as reference and compared with the target trajectories estimated from surface displacement with the a priori motion model. The resulting absolute differences between the reference and estimated tumor motion along the 2 image dimensions ranged between 0.7 and 2.4 mm; the measured phase shifts did not exceed 7% of the breathing cycle length. We investigated a tumor tracking method that integrates breathing motion information provided by the 4-dimensional planning CT with surface imaging at the time of treatment, representing an alternative approach to point-based external-internal correlation models. Although an in-room radiograph-based assessment of the reliability of the motion model is envisaged, the developed technique does not involve the estimation and continuous update of correlation parameters, thus requiring a less intense use of invasive imaging.

Stent Geometry Reconstruction Using Imaging Techniques1

Stents are most commonly used in the relief of coronary artery stenosis, but in the last decade have found increasing applications in the treatment of other cardiovascular disease and in particular in heart valve replacement [1]. In transcatheter valve implantation, acquisition of high temporal and spatial resolution images during stenting procedure and patients’ follow-up is required to help the correct positioning of the device and to assess the mechanical performance over time. The imaging techniques routinely used for this purpose are 2D X-ray fluoroscopy and 3D computed tomography (CT), and recent studies have demonstrated their value as diagnostic tools [1–3]. However, these image modalities carry errors and the resulting information might not be accurate enough to be employed in engineering analyses of stent deformations, mechanics, dynamics and fracture. In this study, we aim to evaluate the errors of conventionally used clinical images (fluoroscopy and CT) and post-processing by comparison with ultra-high resolution micro-CT (μCT) as gold standard. Additionally, an optical image acquisition method and a high-radiation CT scan were evaluated as potential techniques to acquire geometrical data that could be used for computational and in-vitro engineering experiments.Copyright © 2013 by ASME

J041053 高分子薄膜の音響物性値と光学画像を同時に取得するための検討([J041-05]超音波計測・解析法の新展開(5))

J041053 高分子薄膜の音響物性値と光学画像を同時に取得するための検討([J041-05]超音波計測・解析法の新展開(5))

A Video Extensometer Design for The Tensile Strain Test of Fiber Optic Cable

A strain measurement system for fiber optic is established based on digital image processing techniques. The hardware of the system is consists of a light source, optical fiber cable tensile equipment, CCD camera and image acquisition card. Hardware equipment was selected by the technical requirements of the system, such as measurement accuracy, velocity and so on. The software of the system, including image acquisition module, data processing module, edge detection module, image measurement module and image storage module, is designed.

Three-dimensional imaging with axially distributed sensing using electronically controlled liquid crystal lens

In this Letter, we present a three-dimensional (3D) imaging system with axially distributed sensing (ADS) using an electronically controlled liquid crystal (LC) lens. The proposed system performed an optical image acquisition by varying the focal lengths of the LC lens without mechanical movements of an image sensor. Multiple images with slightly different perspectives were experimentally recorded, and the 3D images were reconstructed according to the ray backprojection algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on 3D ADS using a LC lens. The proposed system is attractive for compact 3D sensing camera systems.

Direct Molecular Tissue Analysis by MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry in the Field of Gastrointestinal Disease

*Institute of Pathology, Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; ‡ § Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitat Munchen, Munich, Germany; Department of Medicine II, Universitatsklinikum Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; and Institute of Pathology, Technische Universitat Munchen, Munich, Germany

A Novel Thin NIPAM Gel Cassette Dosimeter for Photon-Beam Radiotherapy

The response of thin polymer gel cassettes (called NIPAM gels) to ionizing radiation was investigated in this study. The NIPAM gels were prepared from gelatin, N-isopropyl acrylamide, tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphoniumchloride, and N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide. Gel cassettes were irradiated in a phantom using a linear accelerator, and the polymerization morphology of irradiated NIPAM gel was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The dose-response sensitivity of the NIPAM gels was evaluated using the differences in optical densities. The optical densities were obtained using a computer-controlled CCD camera that was connected to a planar illumination source for acquisition of optical transmission images. The central axis depth dose profiles of the phantom were extracted, and a comparison with ionization chamber measurements demonstrated similarities in profiles. The sensitivity, linearity of the response, accuracy, and reproducibility of the polymer gel cassettes were acceptable. However, the profiles of the half-blocked field irradiation showed no significant dispersion in the visible region. This study also extensively investigated the spatial stability of the NIPAM gel. The results showed that the gel cassette response remains stable for up to three months after irradiation.

全球陆地光学遥感影像获取技术与应用

This paper introduces the acquisition of global land optical images from 2010 by the CCD cameras on HJ-1A/B to research the global land coverage and land usage situations.The HJ-1A/B is the first optical constellation with a ground resolution of 30 m and the revisit ability of 48 h in our country.When the optical remote sensing images are acquired by the HJ-1A/B constellation,the ground lighting conditions,cloud cover,season,terrain features and other factors must be considered,especially the more factors such as the satellite capacity,ground receiving ability,global land distribution and cloud distribution should be taken account of because the optical satellite has been used.Through one year's work,effective images with the cloud less than 20% covered more than 85% of global land are obtained.It is China's first middle-high resolution global coverage optical remote-sensing image sets and has been become the main data sources for global scale remote-sensing research.The ideals and applications to acquire the global land optical images by the HJ-1A/B constellation can provide references for planning optical constellations and designing payloads.

EFFECT OF HISTOMORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS ON COMPRESSION STRENGTH OF VERTEBRAL BODIES

Computer aided image analysis was applied to elaborate an automatic method of histomorphometric analysis of trabecular bone samples. Transverse sections of decalcified vertebral bodies were examined using optical microscopy and digital image acquisition system. Further analysis was done by means of a general purpose image analysis package. The same algorithm was applied to all the images tested, thus enabling obtainment of objective and repeatable results. High efficiency in measurements and evaluation of parameters not accessible for manual methods makes this method an interesting alternative for classical histomorphometric analysis. The results obtained demonstrated that assessment of bone mineral density is not sufficient for evaluation of compression strength of vertebral bodies. In contrast, mechanical properties correlate well with histomorphometric parameters. As a consequence it was postulated that compression strength of vertebral bodies is controlled by trabecular structure rather than bone mineral density.

Intracoronary optical coherence tomography, basic theory and image acquisition techniques

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is showing great potential as an alternative or complementary tool to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for aiding in stent procedures and future diagnosis/treatment of atherosclerosis. Here, we describe the basic theory behind OCT imaging and explain important parameters such as axial resolution, lateral resolution and sensitivity. Also, we describe several image acquisition techniques that have been adopted for OCT imaging.

Real-time single-shot three-dimensional and contrast-enhanced optical coherence imaging using phase coherent photorefractive quantum wells

We demonstrate two real-time optical coherence imaging acquisition modes using all-optical phase coherent photorefractive ZnSe quantum wells as dynamic holographic films. These films use the coherence of excitons for time-gating which provides depth information of an object according to the brightness profile of its holographic image. This quality allows depth-resolved imaging of moving particles with a resolution of a few micrometers in a single-shot three-dimensional mode. In a complementary contrast-enhanced mode moving particles are imaged by the local enhancement of a static reference hologram, enabling optical coherence imaging at a large depth-of-field.

SPLASSH: Open source software for camera-based high-speed, multispectral in-vivo optical image acquisition

Camera-based in-vivo optical imaging can provide detailed images of living tissue that reveal structure, function, and disease. High-speed, high resolution imaging can reveal dynamic events such as changes in blood flow and responses to stimulation. Despite these benefits, commercially available scientific cameras rarely include software that is suitable for in-vivo imaging applications, making this highly versatile form of optical imaging challenging and time-consuming to implement. To address this issue, we have developed a novel, open-source software package to control high-speed, multispectral optical imaging systems. The software integrates a number of modular functions through a custom graphical user interface (GUI) and provides extensive control over a wide range of inexpensive IEEE 1394 Firewire cameras. Multispectral illumination can be incorporated through the use of off-the-shelf light emitting diodes which the software synchronizes to image acquisition via a programmed microcontroller, allowing arbitrary high-speed illumination sequences. The complete software suite is available for free download. Here we describe the software’s framework and provide details to guide users with development of this and similar software.