Analysis and Optimization of a Lifetime Fluorescence System to Detect Structural Protein Signatures in Varying Host Mediums for Rapid Biomedical Imaging

Fluorescence lifetime imaging is an established imaging technique that has been extensively explored over the past few decades but has yet to break through as a diagnostic tool in clinical applications. This work will characterize and analyze the quasi-fluorescence lifetime technique with improvements in contrast by a novel approach to manipulate LEDs photonic characteristics to push forward a real time video rate relative lifetime imaging technique. This thesis establishes the framework of using quasi-fluorescence lifetime imaging in the specific long gate time acquisition mode and instating the parameters for any future research of multi-spectral lifetime imaging. Results and analysis of changes in spectral lifetime signatures of collagen and elastin in dry, hydrated, and in acetone chemical environments are presented for the first time using this technique.