CAREER: Transforming Multi-parametric Photoacoustic Microscopy

该项目旨在将显微镜从目前的低速台式系统转变为第一个能够实现可穿戴、手持应用的高速微型/便携式设备。该显微镜将把目前可用的许多单独的光学模式包括到单个多参数系统中。拟议的系统将在不降低性能的情况下保留这些模式，并改进便携性、缩小尺寸和提高功能成像能力的数据收集效率。这一突破有望在神经科学、癌症临床治疗、心血管药物个性化筛选和伤口愈合管理等领域获得广泛应用。该项目开发的技术将大大扩展多参数PAM的范围，使其超出受限制动物麻醉基础研究的范围。拟议的研究涉及光学和机械设计、数值模拟、微制造、数据处理、仪器开发和测试的多学科性质，将为所有参与者提供平衡的培训机会。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project aims to transform microscopy from the current low-speed benchtop system into the first-of-a-kind high-speed miniature/portable device that will enable wearable, handheld applications. The microscope will include many of the currently available separate optical modalities into a single multi-parameter system. The proposed system will retain these modalities with no reduction in performance yet with improved portability, reduction in size, and increased data collection efficiency for functional imaging capabilities. This breakthrough is expected to find broad applications in areas spanning from neuroscience to clinical treatment of cancer, personalized screening of cardiovascular drugs, and management of wound healing. The technology developed in this program will significantly expand the scope of multi-parametric PAM beyond basic research in anesthetized of restrained animals. The multidisciplinary nature of the proposed research involving optical and mechanical design, numerical simulation, microfabrication, data processing, instrument development and testing will offer well-balanced training opportunities for all participants.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.