Time-resolved Optical Imaging Research Articles

Deep learning-based temporal deconvolution for photon time-of-flight distribution retrieval.

The acquisition of the time of flight (ToF) of photons has found numerous applications in the biomedical field. Over the last decades, a few strategies have been proposed to deconvolve the temporal instrument response function (IRF) that distorts the experimental time-resolved data. However, these methods require burdensome computational strategies and regularization terms to mitigate noise contributions. Herein, we propose a deep learning model specifically to perform the deconvolution task in fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI). The model is trained and validated with representative simulated FLI data with the goal of retrieving the true photon ToF distribution. Its performance and robustness are validated with well-controlled in vitro experiments using three time-resolved imaging modalities with markedly different temporal IRFs. The model aptitude is further established with in vivo preclinical investigation. Overall, these in vitro and in vivo validations demonstrate the flexibility and accuracy of deep learning model-based deconvolution in time-resolved FLI and diffuse optical imaging.

Shear shock waves mediate haptic holography via focused ultrasound.

Emerging holographic haptic interfaces focus ultrasound in air to enable their users to touch, feel, and manipulate three-dimensional virtual objects. However, current holographic haptic systems furnish tactile sensations that are diffuse and faint, with apparent spatial resolutions that are far coarser than would be theoretically predicted from acoustic focusing. Here, we show how the effective spatial resolution and dynamic range of holographic haptic displays are determined by ultrasound-driven elastic wave transport in soft tissues. Using time-resolved optical imaging and numerical simulations, we show that ultrasound-based holographic displays excite shear shock wave patterns in the skin. The spatial dimensions of these wave patterns can exceed nominal focal dimensions by more than an order of magnitude. Analyses of data from behavioral and vibrometry experiments indicate that shock formation diminishes perceptual acuity. For holographic haptic displays to attain their potential, techniques for circumventing shock wave artifacts, or for exploiting these phenomena, are needed.

Ignition and combustion experiments on Mg/AP composite fuels in different reaction environments

Magnesium is considered a viable fuel for underwater propulsion owing to its ignitability and the exothermicity of the Mg-water reaction. In this experimental study, we examine the ignition and combustion of Mg/AP composite fuels in three different reaction environments: air, water vapor, and argon. We consider Mg/AP composite fuels containing different Mg loadings and particle sizes. Using thermogravimetry and time-resolved optical imaging, we analyze the thermal oxidation, ignition delay time, steady-state gas-phase combustion processes, and flame temperature of the composite fuels. Our findings show that a water vapor environment can lower the initial oxidation temperature of Mg by 120 °C relative to a baseline air environment. Laser ignition tests reveal that the combustion intensity of Mg/AP composite fuels rises as the Mg loading increases and as the Mg particle size decreases. The ignition delay time of the Mg/AP composite fuels is found to be longer in a water vapor or argon environment than in an air environment. Owing to the intense reaction of Mg in air, the flame temperature is found to exceed that in argon and water vapor environments. The latent heat of evaporation of water tends to lower the flame temperature in the water vapor environment. From these empirical observations, we propose a phenomenological mechanism for the combustion of Mg/AP composite fuels. Overall, this study shows that the Mg loading, Mg particle size, and environmental composition can have profound effects on the ignition and combustion behavior of Mg/AP composite fuels. These findings could be used to steer the development of water-reactive metallic fuels, with a view to improving the design of underwater propulsion systems.

Space-and time-resolved optical investigations on ns-laser produced plasmas on various geological samples

Experimental and theoretical investigations were performed on transient plasmas generated by ns-laser ablation on ten mineral samples. Space-and time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy and ICCD fast camera imaging were implemented to understand the kinetics of the ablated particles and how the samples physical properties can be reflected by those of the plasma plume. Strong correlations were found between the global and individual plasma velocity and the melting temperature of the geomaterials. The thermal energy of the plasma expressed through the excitation temperature of the ejected particle is correlated with the same target physical parameter, results corelated with the presence of strong thermal ejection mechanisms. To better understand the global empirical laws, we implemented the fractal model to interpret the results. The model manages to emulate the target-plasma correlations using a multifractal hydrodynamic approach and adequately calibrating the theoretical model on the empirical tools used to describe the laser produced plasmas.

Time-Resolved Integrative Optical Imaging of Diffusion during Spreading Depression

An improved version of the integrative optical imaging method has been developed that substantially increases the time resolution of diffusion measurements. We present a theory for time-resolved integrative optical imaging that incorporates a time-dependent effective diffusion coefficient in homogeneous anisotropic media and a time-dependent nonspecific linear clearance. The method was applied to measure the very fast changes in extracellular diffusion that occur during spreading depression in rat hippocampal slices. We were able to achieve a time resolution of approximately 1 s, an improvement of at least 10 times compared to the standard methods for extracellular diffusion measurement. We have found that diffusion of a small fluorescent extracellular marker (MW 3000) completely stopped during the maximum direct current shift associated with the spreading depression wave, then gradually resumed over several minutes afterward. The effect of spreading depression on extracellular space is much larger than previously estimated by other methods with lower time resolution.

Uptake and Translocation of Styrene Maleic Anhydride Nanoparticles in Murraya exotica Plants As Revealed by Noninvasive, Real-Time Optical Bioimaging.

This work reports the in vivo uptake and translocation of PNPs in the one-year grown terrestrial plant, Murraya exotica ( M. exotica), as investigated by two-photon excitation and time-resolved (TPE-TR) optical imaging with a large field of view (FOV, 32 × 32 mm2) in a noninvasive and real-time manner. The PNPs (⟨ Rh⟩ = 12 ± 4.5 nm) synthesized from poly(styrene- co-maleic anhydride) (SMA) were Eu-luminescence labeled (λL ≈ 617 nm). On exposing the roots of living M. exotica plants to the colloidal suspension of SMA PNPs at different concentrations, the spatiotemporal evolution of SMA PNPs along plant stems (60 mm in length) were monitored by TPE-TR imaging, which rendered rich information on the uptake and translocation of PNPs without any interference from the autofluorescence of the plant tissues. The TPE-TR imaging combined with the high-resolution anatomy revealed an intercell-wall route in the lignified epidermis of M. exotica plants for SMA PNP uptake and translocation, as well as the similar accumulation kinetics at different positions along the plant stems. We modeled the accumulation kinetics with Gaussian distribution to account for the trapping probability of a SMA PNP by the lignified cell walls, allowing the statistical parameters, the average trapping time ( tm) and its variance (σ), to be derived for the quantification of the PNP accumulation in individual plants. The TPE-TR imaging and the analysis protocols established herein will be helpful in exploring the mechanism of plant-PNP interaction under physiological condition.

Propeller arc: design and basic characteristics

A new atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma source named the ‘Propeller Arc’ (PA) is developed using the concept of rotating electrodes. The PA device consists of a rotating cathode, driven by a motor, with one or more fixed anodes. Plasma is ignited at or near the narrowest gap as the rotating cathode passes by the anode and then it is extended up to a length of ∼66 mm or longer depending on the supplied power. This allows for efficient ignition, followed by a quick increase in plasma volume. The PA is similar to the widely used gliding arc (GA); however, unlike the GA, PA does not require imposed gas flow, and the PA discharge frequency can be easily controlled by the motor angular velocity. In this paper, the basic characteristics of PA are investigated using two different operation modes: pulse modulation and DC power. Discharge properties including electrical characteristics, time-resolved optical emission images, plasma electrical properties such as resistance and average electric field (discharge voltage divided by gap distance) and plasma power consumption are reported. Use of multiple anodes to increase the plasma volume is also demonstrated. As the PA has a compact design and is relatively easy to stabilize and control without the need for applied gas flow, it has potential to be adapted for many different applications such as nitrogen fixation, fuel and carbon dioxide conversion, waste, odor and hydrogen sulfide treatment, etc.

Kinetic plasma chemistry model of pulsed transient spark discharge in air coupled with nanosecond time-resolved imaging and spectroscopy

Based on experimental results, transient spark (TS) discharge in atmospheric air is an efficient source of NOx for biomedical applications with a negligible O3 production. The TS discharge is characterized by short (~10 ns) high current (~A) pulses initiated by streamer. The time-resolved optical imaging and spectroscopy of the TS discharge revealed that the primary streamer (ionization wave) is followed by the secondary streamer, enabling us to reconstruct the temporal evolution of the reduced electric field strength E/N(t). This was then used for a chemical kinetic model of the primary and the secondary streamer phases of the TS discharge. In this chemical kinetic modeling, we focus on the generation of selected reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) with antibacterial and other biological effects: O, N, NO, NO2, and O3. We proved that the secondary streamer plays a more important role in the induced chemistry than the primary streamer. In the simulation with the secondary streamer, the densities of RONS were increased by an order of magnitude when compared to the simulation without the secondary streamer, despite the same peak electron densities. The dominant intermediate product of the secondary streamer chemistry is atomic oxygen. Without the spark phase, this would lead to the generation of ozone as the dominant final product. However, in the spark pulse phase following the streamer(s), the chemistry is twisted towards dominant production of NOx.

Time-Resolved Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy and Imaging Using Solid-State Detectors: Characteristics, Present Status, and Research Challenges.

Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) and diffuse optical imaging (DOI) are emerging non-invasive imaging modalities that have wide spread potential applications in many fields, particularly for structural and functional imaging in medicine. In this article, we review time-resolved diffuse optical imaging (TR-DOI) systems using solid-state detectors with a special focus on Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) and Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs). These TR-DOI systems can be categorized into two types based on the operation mode of the detector (free-running or time-gated). For the TR-DOI prototypes, the physical concepts, main components, figures-of-merit of detectors, and evaluation parameters are described. The performance of TR-DOI prototypes is evaluated according to the parameters used in common protocols to test DOI systems particularly basic instrumental performance (BIP). In addition, the potential features of SPADs and SiPMs to improve TR-DOI systems and expand their applications in the foreseeable future are discussed. Lastly, research challenges and future developments for TR-DOI are discussed for each component in the prototype separately and also for the entire system.

Spatially resolved and time-resolved imaging of transport of indirect excitons in high magnetic fields

We present the direct measurements of magnetoexciton transport. Excitons give the opportunity to realize the high magnetic field regime for composite bosons with magnetic fields of a few Tesla. Long lifetimes of indirect excitons allow the study kinetics of magnetoexciton transport with time-resolved optical imaging of exciton photoluminescence. We performed spatially, spectrally, and time-resolved optical imaging of transport of indirect excitons in high magnetic fields. We observed that increasing magnetic field slows down magnetoexciton transport. The time-resolved measurements of the magnetoexciton transport distance allowed for an experimental estimation of the magnetoexciton diffusion coefficient. An enhancement of the exciton photoluminescence energy at the laser excitation spot was found to anti-correlate with the exciton transport distance. A theoretical model of indirect magnetoexciton transport is presented and is in agreement with the experimental data.

Characterization of a time-resolved non-contact scanning diffuse optical imaging system exploiting fast-gated single-photon avalanche diode detection.

We present a system for non-contact time-resolved diffuse reflectance imaging, based on small source-detector distance and high dynamic range measurements utilizing a fast-gated single-photon avalanche diode. The system is suitable for imaging of diffusive media without any contact with the sample and with a spatial resolution of about 1 cm at 1 cm depth. In order to objectively assess its performances, we adopted two standardized protocols developed for time-domain brain imagers. The related tests included the recording of the instrument response function of the setup and the responsivity of its detection system. Moreover, by using liquid turbid phantoms with absorbing inclusions, depth-dependent contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio as well as lateral spatial resolution were measured. To illustrate the potentialities of the novel approach, the characteristics of the non-contact system are discussed and compared to those of a fiber-based brain imager.

Chiral streamers

The interaction of time-varying electromagnetic fields and solid, liquid, and gaseous matter may lead to electrical breakdown phenomena through the excitation of ionization waves or streamers that control the dynamics of localized plasma propagation through the media. The streamers usually propagate along straight lines, either between random points in space or along a certain direction in a guided mode. Here, we report on a new type of plasma discharges with the regular helical propagation pattern driven by a pulsed dc voltage in nitrogen at sub-atmospheric-pressure conditions. The helical guided streamers, named chiral streamers or chi-streamers, are excited without any external magnetic fields, which commonly cause helical plasma motions. We also demonstrate a hybrid propagation mode involving the interchangeable chiral streamers and the straight-line propagating plasmas. High-speed, time-resolved optical imaging reveals that the chiral streamers and the hybrid patterns are made of spatially localized discrete plasma bullets, similar to the straight-line guided streamers. These results may enable effective control of propagation of confined plasmas and electromagnetic energy along pre-determined, potentially deterministic paths, which have important implications for the development of next-generation plasma-based radiation sources, communication devices, and medical treatments.

Band-like transport observed in TIPS-pentacene thin film by time-resolved microscopic optical second-harmonic generation imaging

Carrier transport in single-crystalline grains of 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS) pentacene was studied using time-resolved microscopic optical second-harmonic generation (TRM-SHG). TRM-SHG is used to directly visualize carrier injection and transport behavior in TIPS pentacene. A strong SHG signal observed at the edge of a FET source electrode at low temperature suggests the presence of a potential drop associated with the carrier injection process. An accurate carrier mobility calculation, taking into account the potential drop, shows a negative slope with temperature that indicates band-like transport.

Time-resolved optical emission imaging of an atmospheric plasma jet for different electrode positions with a constant electrode gap

The aim of this paper is to determine the influence of the position of the electrodes on the range of a plasma jet, for specific experimental conditions, by using time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy. The optimal position of the electrodes is determined for a fixed gas flow rate and applied excitation voltage. We characterize the helium plasma jet for different distances from the end of the glass tube, showing detailed results for four different electrode positions from the jet nozzle (7, 15, 30 and 50 mm). It was found that at the distance of 15 mm, the length of the plasma jet is at its maximum. The highest speeds of the plasma package travelling outside the glass tube of the atmospheric plasma jet are obtained for the same electrode configuration (15 mm from the jet nozzle). With the electrodes positioned at smaller distances from the nozzle, the plasma plume was much shorter, and at the larger distances the plasma did not even leave the glass tube.

Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Ablation of Magnesium Diboride: Plasma Characterization and Thin Films Deposition

A MgB2 target has been ablated by Nd:glass laser with a pulse duration of 250 fs. The plasma produced by the laser‐target interaction, showing two temporal separated emissions, has been characterized by time and space resolved optical emission spectroscopy and ICCD fast imaging. The films, deposited on silicon substrates and formed by the coalescence of particles with nanometric size, have been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The first steps of the films growth have been studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The films deposition has been studied by varying the substrate temperature from 25 to 500°C and the best results have been obtained at room temperature.

Optical Modulation in the X-Ray Binary 4U 1543–624 Revisited

AbstractThe X-ray binary 4U 1543–624 has been provisionally identified as an ultra-compact system with an orbital period of ≃ 18 min. We have carried out time-resolved optical imaging of the binary to verify the ultra-short orbital period. Using 140 min of high-cadence r′-band photometry, we recover the previously-seen sinusoidal modulation and determine a period P = 18.20 ± 0.09 min. In addition, we also see a 7.0 × 10−4 mag min−1 linear decay, likely related to variations in the source's accretion activity. Assuming that the sinusoidal modulation arises from X-ray heating of the inner face of the companion star, we estimate a distance of 6.0–6.7 kpc and an inclination angle of 34°–61° (90% confidence) for the binary. Given the stability of the modulation, we can confirm that the modulation is orbital in origin and 4U 1543–624 is an ultra-compact X-ray binary.

Diffuser-aided time-domain diffuse optical imaging: a phantom study

We present the first experimental results of time-resolved diffuser-aided diffuse optical imaging (DADOI) method in this paper. A self-manufactured diffuser plate was inserted between the optode and the surface of a scattering medium. The diffuser was utilized to enhance the multiple scattering that destroys the image information for baseline measurement of turbid medium. Therefore, the abnormality can be detected with the modified optical density calculation. The time-domain DADOI method can provide better imaging contrast and simpler imaging than the conventional diffuse optical tomography measurement. Besides, it also reveals rich depth information with temporal responses. Therefore, the DADOI offers a great potential to detect the breast tumor and chemotherapy monitoring in clinical diagnosis.

MULTIBAND STUDIES OF THE OPTICAL PERIODIC MODULATION IN THE X-RAY BINARY SAX J1808.4–3658 DURING ITS QUIESCENCE AND 2008 OUTBURST

We report on time-resolved optical imaging of the X-ray binary SAX J1808.4-3658 during its quiescent state and 2008 outburst. The binary, containing an accretion-powered millisecond pulsar, has a large sinusoidal-like modulation in its quiescent optical emission. We employ a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique to fit our multi-band light curve data in quiescence with an irradiated star model, and derive a tight constraint of $50^{+6}_{-5}$ deg on the inclination angle $i$ of the binary system. The pulsar and its companion are constrained to have masses of $0.97^{+0.31}_{-0.22} M_{\sun}$ and $0.04^{+0.02}_{-0.01} M_{\sun}$ (both 1$\sigma$ ranges), respectively. The dependence of these results on the measurements of the companion's projected radial velocity is discussed. We also find that the accretion disk had nearly constant optical fluxes over a $\sim$500 day period in the quiescent state our data covered, but started brightening 1.5 months before the 2008 outburst. Variations in modulation during the outburst were detected in our four observations made 7-12 days after the start of the outburst, and a sinusoidal-like modulation with 0.2 mag amplitude changed to have a smaller amplitude of 0.1 mag. The modulation variations are discussed. We estimate the albedo of the companion during its quiescence and the outburst, which was approximately 0 and 0.8 (for isotropic emission), respectively. This large difference probably provides additional evidence that the neutron star in the binary turns on as a radio pulsar in quiescence.

Upconverting and NIR emitting rare earth based nanostructures for NIR-bioimaging

In recent years, significant progress was achieved in the field of nanomedicine and bioimaging, but the development of new biomarkers for reliable detection of diseases at an early stage, molecular imaging, targeting and therapy remains crucial. The disadvantages of commonly used organic dyes include photobleaching, autofluorescence, phototoxicity and scattering when UV (ultraviolet) or visible light is used for excitation. The limited penetration depth of the excitation light and the visible emission into and from the biological tissue is a further drawback with regard to in vivo bioimaging. Lanthanide containing inorganic nanostructures emitting in the near-infrared (NIR) range under NIR excitation may overcome those problems. Due to the outstanding optical and magnetic properties of lanthanide ions (Ln(3+)), nanoscopic host materials doped with Ln(3+), e.g. Y2O3:Er(3+),Yb(3+), are promising candidates for NIR-NIR bioimaging. Ln(3+)-doped gadolinium-based inorganic nanostructures, such as Gd2O3:Er(3+),Yb(3+), have a high potential as opto-magnetic markers allowing the combination of time-resolved optical imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of high spatial resolution. Recent progress in our research on over-1000 nm NIR fluorescent nanoprobes for in vivo NIR-NIR bioimaging will be discussed in this review.

Application of a time-resolved optical brain imager for monitoring cerebral oxygenation during carotid surgery

Recent studies have shown that time-resolved optical measurements of the head can estimate changes in the absorption coefficient with depth discrimination. Thus, changes in tissue oxygenation, which are specific to intracranial tissues, can be assessed using this advanced technique, and this method allows us to avoid the influence of changes to extracerebral tissue oxygenation on the measured signals. We report the results of time-resolved optical imaging that was carried out during carotid endarterectomy. This surgery remains the "gold standard" treatment for carotid stenosis, and intraoperative brain oxygenation monitoring may improve the safety of this procedure. A time-resolved optical imager was utilized within the operating theater. This instrument allows for the simultaneous acquisition of 32 distributions of the time-of-flight of photons at two wavelengths on both hemispheres. Analysis of the statistical moments of the measured distributions of the time-of-flight of photons was applied for estimating changes in the absorption coefficient as a function of depth. Time courses of changes in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin of the extra- and intracerebral compartments during cross-clamping of the carotid arteries were obtained. A decrease in the oxyhemoglobin concentration and an increase in the deoxyhemoglobin concentrations were observed in a large area of the head. Large changes were observed in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the site of clamped carotid arteries. Smaller amplitude changes were noted at the contralateral site. We also found that changes in the hemoglobin signals, as estimated from intracerebral tissue, are very sensitive to clamping of the internal carotid artery, whereas its sensitivity to clamping of the external carotid artery is limited. We concluded that intraoperative multichannel measurements allow for imaging of brain tissue hemodynamics. However, when monitoring the brain during carotid surgery, a single-channel measurement may be sufficient.