Open AccessMultispectral fluorescence lifetime imaging device with a silicon avalanche photodetector
Author(s) -
Xiaoliang Zhou,
Julien Bec,
Diego R. Yankelevich,
Laura Marcu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.425632
Subject(s) - photodetector , detector , optics , silicon photomultiplier , materials science , photomultiplier , optoelectronics , miniaturization , multispectral image , digital micromirror device , avalanche photodiode , avalanche diode , physics , scintillator , computer science , nanotechnology , voltage , breakdown voltage , quantum mechanics , computer vision
We report the design, development, and characterization of a novel multi-spectral fluorescence lifetime measurement device incorporating solid-state detectors and automated gain control. For every excitation pulse (∼1 µJ, 600 ps), this device records complete fluorescence decay from multiple spectral channels simultaneously within microseconds, using a dedicated UV enhanced avalanche photodetector and analog to digital convert (2.5 GS/s) in each channel. Fast (<2 ms) channel-wise dynamic range adjustment maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio. Fluorophores with known lifetime ranging from 0.5-6.0 ns were used to demonstrate the device accuracy. Current results show the clear benefits of this device compared to existing devices employing microchannel-plate photomultiplier tubes. This is demonstrated by 5-fold reduction of lifetime measurement variability in identical conditions, independent gain adjustment in each spectral band, and 4-times faster imaging speed. The use of solid-state detectors will also facilitate future improved performance and miniaturization of the instrument.