Low-intensity calibration source for optical imaging systems

David W. Holdsworth

doi:10.1117/12.2254439

13 March 2017 Low-intensity calibration source for optical imaging systems

David W. Holdsworth

Proceedings Volume 10137, Medical Imaging 2017: Biomedical Applications in Molecular, Structural, and Functional Imaging; 101371L (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2254439
Event: SPIE Medical Imaging, 2017, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Laboratory optical imaging systems for fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging have become widely available for research applications. These systems use an ultra-sensitive CCD camera to produce quantitative measurements of very low light intensity, detecting signals from small-animal models labeled with optical fluorophores or luminescent emitters. Commercially available systems typically provide quantitative measurements of light output, in units of radiance (photons s^-1 cm^-2 SR^-1) or intensity (photons s^-1 cm^-2). One limitation to current systems is that there is often no provision for routine quality assurance and performance evaluation. We describe such a quality assurance system, based on an LED-illuminated thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display module. The light intensity is controlled by pulse-width modulation of the backlight, producing radiance values ranging from 1.8 x 10⁶ photons s^-1 cm^-2 SR^-1 to 4.2 x 10¹³ photons s^-1 cm^-2 SR^-1. The lowest light intensity values are produced by very short backlight pulses (i.e. approximately 10 μs), repeated every 300 s. This very low duty cycle is appropriate for laboratory optical imaging systems, which typically operate with long-duration exposures (up to 5 minutes). The low-intensity light source provides a stable, traceable radiance standard that can be used for routine quality assurance of laboratory optical imaging systems.

Citation Download Citation

David W. Holdsworth "Low-intensity calibration source for optical imaging systems", Proc. SPIE 10137, Medical Imaging 2017: Biomedical Applications in Molecular, Structural, and Functional Imaging, 101371L (13 March 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2254439

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