BRIGE: Multi-Spectral, High-Frequency Imaging Sensors for Frequency-Domain Biomedical Imaging

建议的研究和教育努力集中在一类新的图像传感器体系结构的开发和应用上，这些图像传感器体系结构在生物医学光学诊断中具有变革作用。其目的是通过开发具有像素级RF检测和信号处理的小型化、多光谱成像传感器来进一步推动近红外光谱领域的发展。提出的工作将提高图像分辨率，减少采集时间，并使频域漫反射光学层析成像(FD-DOT)系统具有可移植性。将探索一种高灵敏度光学成像传感器的混合模式设计方法，该方法优化用于RF调制光信号的相敏检测。将评估纳米级VLSI技术中光电探测器结构的光学和电学性能，重点是新的高k介质材料和金属层堆叠对光响应的影响。由此产生的研究将在许多领域产生更广泛的影响，包括医疗光学诊断、高性能图像传感器技术和半导体行业劳动力。拟议活动的一个中心重点是扩大对代表性不足群体的学生的机会，并让各级学生参与跨学科研究和集成电路设计培训。将启动一项夏季丰富计划，包括IC CAD工具培训、课程工作、基于团队的研究项目以及访问大波士顿地区的实验室/公司。为所有级别的学生提供强有力的指导和培训。

The proposed research and educational efforts focus on the development and application of a new class of image sensor architectures with transformative effects on biomedical optical diagnostics. The aim is to further advance the field of near-infrared spectroscopy by developing miniaturized, multi-spectral, imaging sensors with pixel-level RF detection and signal processing. The proposed work will improve image resolution, reduce acquisition time, and enable portability of frequency-domain diffuse optical tomography (FD-DOT) systems. A mixed-mode design methodology for high-sensitivity optical imaging sensors optimized for phase-sensitive detection of RF-modulated optical signals will be explored. The optical and electrical performance of photodetector structures in nanometer-scale VLSI technologies will be evaluated with an emphasis on the affect of new high-k dielectric materials and metal layer stacking on photoresponse. The resulting research will have broader impacts in many areas, including medical optical diagnostics, high-performance image sensor technology, and the semiconductor industry workforce. A central focus of the proposed activities is to broaden opportunities to students from underrepresented groups and engage students at all levels in interdisciplinary research and integrated circuit design training. A summer enrichment program will be launched, incorporating IC CAD tool training, coursework, a team-based research project, and visits to labs/companies in the greater Boston area. There is a strong mentoring and training component for students at all levels.