MKID detectors integrated into Miniature Imaging Systems in Light Sensitive Applications

MKIDs是新一代高灵敏度超导量子光子探测器，可提供入射光子的光谱和时间分辨率。因此，这些器件在光子匮乏的情况下是理想的应用。其中一个领域是生命科学中的成像，用于显微镜和体内成像。在荧光成像中，激发光水平应该最小化，以减少组织中的任何光毒性作用，这在大脑内的非线性成像中尤其如此。该项目将研究最新的MKID阵列探测器，该探测器集成了相干单模光纤束和用于深部组织成像的微型光学器件，其长期目标是人类成像和大脑研究。一种微型成像系统基于通过相干光纤束的宽视场成像和光束扫描成像（单点和线扫描），将被检查并集成到最新一代MKID探测器中。通过在光纤束的远端使用微型光学器件，由于单模光纤作为共聚焦针孔的作用，共聚焦成像将成为可能。使用一系列组织模拟和真实组织，将探索MKIDs用于光学显微镜和其他潜在生物医学应用的局限性。

MKIDs are a new generation of highly sensitive super conducting quantum based photon detector that provide both spectral and temporal resolution of incoming photons. These devices are therefore ideal for applications in photon starved situations. One such area is in imaging in the life sciences for microscopy and in vivo imaging. In fluorescent imaging the excitation light level should be minimised to reduce any phototoxic effects in tissues, and this is particularly the case in non-linear imaging within the brain. This project will investigate the latest MKID array detectors integrated with coherent single mode fibre bundles and miniature optics for deep tissue imaging with the longer-term goal of both in human imaging and for brain studies.A miniature imaging system based both on widefield imaging through coherent fibre bundles and also beam scanned imaging (both single point and line scanned) will be examined and integrated to the latest generation of MKID detectors. Through the use of miniature optics on the distal end of the fibre bundle confocal imaging will be possible due to the single mode fibres acting in effect as a confocal pinhole. Using a range of both tissue mimics and real tissue the limits of using MKIDs for optical microscopy and other potential biomedical applications will be explored.