Time-resolved scanning system for double reflectance and transmittance fluorescence imaging of small animals

We developed a time-resolved scanning system for fluorescence molecular imaging in diffusive media, such as biological tissues. In the present work the system is described and characterized in terms of linearity against optical parameters of the sample and against homogeneously diffuse fluorescent dye. Finally, preliminary measurements performed on phantom are presented, pointing out the ability of our system to produce projective images of the fluorophore distribution into the sample with a 200 fmol sensitivity and to decouple fluorescent amplitude from depth by means of fluorescent transmittance imaging.