Fluorescence lifetime imaging via spatio-temporal speckle patterns in single-pixel camera configuration

TL;DR

This paper introduces a rapid fluorescence lifetime imaging method combining random temporal speckles with a single-pixel camera, enabling microsecond-scale PL decay mapping within minutes, suitable for various samples.

Contribution

The novel approach integrates RATS with a single-pixel camera to efficiently capture PL dynamics on microsecond timescales, significantly reducing acquisition time.

Findings

Successfully reconstructed PL decays for two samples

Achieved microsecond-scale lifetime imaging within minutes

Demonstrated robustness against reconstruction noise

Abstract

Photoluminesce (PL) spectroscopy offers excellent methods for mapping the PL decay on the nanosecond time scale. However, capturing maps of emission dynamics on the microsecond time scale can be highly time-consuming. We present a new approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging FLIM, which combines the concept of random temporal speckles excitation (RATS) with the concept of a single-pixel camera based on spatial speckles. The spatio-temporal speckle pattern makes it possible to map PL dynamics with unmatched simplicity. Moreover, the method can acquire all data necessary to map PL decays in the microsecond timescale within minutes. We present proof of principle measurements for two samples and compare the reconstructed decays to the non-imaging measurements. Finally, we discuss the effect of the preprocessing routine and other factors on the reconstruction noise level. The presented method is suitable for lifetime imaging processes in several samples, including charge carrier dynamics in perovskites or monitoring solid-state luminophores with a long lifetime of PL.