STORED LUMINESCENCE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

• US 20150157286A1
• Filed: 12/08/2014
• Published: 06/11/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/2013
• Status: Active Application

• Current Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Original Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Inventors: WANG, Ge, CONG, Wenxiang, WANG, Chao, LIU, Fenglin
• Granted Patent: US 10,285,659 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/17 Comprising radiolucent components
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0073 by tomography, i.e. reconstruction of 3D images from 2D projections A61B5/0066 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/032 Transmission computed tomography [CT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/06 Diaphragms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4035 the source being combined with a filter or grating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/485 involving fluorescence X-ray imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/508 for non-human patients

Abstract

Imaging methods and imaging systems are provided. Methods and systems of the subject invention can include the use of nanoparticles (for example, nanophosphors) within a sample to be imaged. X-ray engraving can be performed and/or X-ray excitation can be used to provide energy to the sample. Stimulation with infrared light, such as near-infrared (NIR) light, and/or optical multiplexing can be used to acquire tomographic data of the sample.

Claims

1. An imaging method, comprising:

using an X-ray source and an X-ray focusing component to excite nanoparticles in a distribution pattern within a sample that is to be imaged;

acquiring tomographic data of the sample; and

reconstructing a tomographic image from the acquired tomographic data,

wherein acquiring tomographic data of the sample comprises;

capturing luminescence light emitted by the nanoparticles using at least one camera facing the sample.

2. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein the sample is a biological sample.

3. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles comprise nanophosphors.

4. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles comprise LiGa₅O₈:

Cr³⁺, MgGa₂O₄;

Cr³⁺, or both.

5. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one camera is a charge coupled device (CCD) camera.

8. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein, during the steps of using an X-ray source and an X-ray focusing component to excite nanoparticles in a distribution pattern within a sample that is to be imaged and acquiring tomographic data of the sample, the sample, the X-ray source, the X-ray focusing component, the camera, and the at least one light source are all contained within an optically opaque cover.

11. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein the luminescence light emitted by the nanoparticles is captured using two cameras, and

wherein, during the step of acquiring tomographic data of the sample, the sample is positioned between the two cameras.

12. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein the luminescence light emitted by the nanoparticles is captured using a camera and a mirror imaging device,

wherein, during the step of acquiring tomographic data of the sample, the sample is positioned between the camera and the mirror imaging device, and

wherein, during the step of acquiring tomographic data of the sample, two mirrors of the mirror imaging device are positioned such that luminescence light from the sample is reflected off the mirrors to the camera.

13. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein using the X-ray source and the X-ray focusing component to excite nanoparticles in a distribution pattern within the sample comprises focusing the X-ray source onto a target area of the sample and activating the X-ray source.

21. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein acquiring tomographic data of the sample further comprises:

stimulating the sample with infrared light from at least one light source to cause the nanoparticles to emit the luminescence light before capturing the luminescence light emitted by the nanoparticles using,

wherein the nanoparticles store energy provided by the X-ray source, and

wherein stimulating the sample with infrared light causes the stored energy to be released.

22. The imaging method according to claim 21, wherein stimulating the sample comprises stimulating the sample with near-infrared (NIR) light from at least one NIR light source to cause the nanoparticles to emit the luminescence light.

23. The imaging method according to claim 21, wherein the sample is a biological sample,

wherein the nanoparticles comprise nanophosphors,

wherein the at least one camera is an EMCCD camera,

wherein stimulating the sample comprises stimulating the sample with NIR light from at least one NIR light source to cause the nanoparticles to emit light, and

wherein, during the steps of using an X-ray source and an X-ray focusing component to excited nanoparticles in a distribution pattern within a sample that is to be imaged and acquiring tomographic data of the sample, the sample, the X-ray source, the X-ray focusing component, the camera, and the at least one light source are all contained within an optically opaque cover.

24. The imaging method according to claim 23, wherein the nanophosphors comprise LiGa₅O₈:

Cr³⁺, MgGa₂O₄;

Cr³⁺, or both.

25. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein exciting the nanoparticles using the X-ray source and the X-ray focusing component causes the nanoparticles to emit the luminescence light.

26. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray focusing component is a polycapillary lens or a zone plate.

6. -7. (canceled)

9. -10. (canceled)

14. -15. (canceled)

16. An imaging system, comprising:

a stage for a sample to be imaged;

an X-ray source and an X-ray focusing component configured to excite nanoparticles in a distribution pattern within a sample that is to be imaged;

at least one camera for capturing luminescence light emitted from the nanoparticles; and

an optically-opaque cover within which the stage, the X-ray source, the X-ray focusing component, and the at least one camera are contained.

wherein the system is capable of implementing a method to reconstruct a tomographic image from the captured luminescence light.

17. The imaging system according to claim 16, wherein the X-ray source is a micro-modulated X-ray source,

wherein the system comprises two cameras facing each other and positioned on either side of the stage,

wherein the two cameras are EMCCD cameras, and

wherein the stage is a rotating stage.

27. The imaging system according to claim 16, further comprising at least one infrared light source configured to provide infrared light to stimulate a sample to be imaged,

wherein the at least one infrared light source is contained within the optically-opaque cover.

28. The imaging system according to claim 27, wherein the X-ray source and the X-ray focusing component comprise an X-ray tube and an X-ray collimator, respectively,

wherein the system further comprises a mirror imaging device comprising two mirrors,

wherein the mirror imaging device is positioned on an opposite side of the stage from the camera in such a way that light emitted from a sample to be imaged is reflected off the two mirrors of the mirror imaging device is reflected to the camera,

wherein the at least one infrared light source is an NIR light source configured to provide NIR light, and

wherein the camera is an EMCCD camera.

29. The imaging system according to claim 16, wherein the X-ray focusing component is a polycapillary lens or a zone plate.

18. -20. (canceled)