Enhancement of Video-Rate Fluorescence Imagery Collected in the Second Near-Infrared Optical Window

Traditional optical imaging techniques can face challenges when the object disrupts the beneficial facets of optical parallax, which allows for a more detailed viewing at different angles. Certain objects or environmental impediments may mute or blur crucial imaging data. Furthermore, the need for technologies capable of mapping the depths within an object or target is continually expanding because this insight can provide valuable data regarding the object's physical properties. Conventional methodologies often fail to provide accurate or complete information in such cases. They can only capture and interpret data at a singular wavelength, limiting the span of their imagery. Additionally, these methods focus on one type of imagery, either reflectance or fluorescence-based, and struggle to capture a comprehensive view of the target object's depth, especially within challenging conditions.

Technology Description

This system and method use parallax and different wavelengths of pump light to produce luminescent imaging of targets within an object. Despite environmental factors that would ordinarily obstruct imaging, this technology captures data through the same optical path, highlighting targets with various depths within the object. One embodiment uniquely allows for the capture of both a reflectance image and multiple fluorescence-based images from the same object using the same optical detector. The technology stands apart because of its ability to function in scenarios where the object being imaged disrupts or negates the typically beneficial aspects of optical parallax. It does this by inciting luminescence from targets within the object using light at differing wavelengths and then capturing the resultant optical data. Seeing the object at different wavelengths allows a more comprehensive understanding of the object's physical properties and allows for unique imaging depth assessment.