1、 Core principle

The near-infrared fluorescence imaging microscope is based on fluorescence labeling and optical detection technology, and its core principle is as follows:

Excitation and emission: Fluorescence probes (such as near-infrared dyes, quantum dots, etc.) in the sample are excited using near-infrared light of a specific wavelength (usually 650-1700nm). The probes absorb light energy and transition to the excited state, returning to the ground state to emit longer wavelength near-infrared fluorescence.

Signal acquisition: High sensitivity detectors (such as InGaAs cameras or photomultiplier tubes) capture fluorescence signals, eliminate background noise through filters, and then generate images through signal amplification and digital processing.

Deep imaging: Near infrared light has low scattering coefficient and strong penetration in biological tissues, and can penetrate depths ranging from several millimeters to centimeters, achieving imaging of deep tissues in vivo.

2、 Unique advantages

Deep organizational penetration capability

The attenuation length of near-infrared light in biological tissues is significantly better than that of visible light, and it can penetrate deep tissues such as skin and muscle, making it suitable for in vivo tumor detection, vascular imaging, and neuroscience research. For example, in brain imaging, neuronal activity and vascular network dynamics can be observed.

High signal-to-noise ratio and low spontaneous fluorescence

The spontaneous fluorescence of biological tissues is extremely weak in the near-infrared band, with low background noise and significantly improved image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This characteristic is particularly crucial in early diagnosis of tumors, as it can clearly distinguish small lesions from normal tissues.

High sensitivity and real-time monitoring

Near infrared fluorescence imaging can detect fluorescence signals as low as picomoles and support real-time dynamic monitoring. In drug development, it is possible to track the distribution and metabolic processes of drugs in the body and evaluate their efficacy.

Multimodal fusion and functional expansion

It can be combined with confocal microscopy, photoacoustic imaging and other technologies to achieve structural functional collaborative analysis. For example, combining multi photon excitation technology can further enhance imaging depth and resolution.

No radiation and biosafety

Compared to X-ray or radioactive isotope imaging, near-infrared fluorescence imaging has no ionizing radiation, minimal damage to living organisms, and is suitable for long-term in vivo research.

3、 Application scenarios

Biomedical: Early diagnosis of tumors, vascular imaging, neuroscience research.

Materials Science: Semiconductor Defect Detection, Polymer Structure Analysis.

Agriculture and Food: Crop Growth Monitoring, Food Contamination Detection.