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High-speed timE Resolved fluorescence iMaging with no pilE-up diStortion

Objective

The overarching goal of HÈRMES is to establish a new methodology for time-resolved imaging by means of Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting(TCSPC). Since its debut in the literature, the potential of TCSPC as non-invasive, ultra-sensitive and extremely precise imaging tool was manifest. Numerous applications have benefited from it so far, but a key limitation still prevents its wide use in many other crucial applications: the speed of a TCSPC acquisition chain must be kept low(few Mcount/s in the best case) to avoid distortion due to pile-up of events. Up to now researchers in this field have tried to work around this limit mainly by posing multiple channels in parallel, but still facing severe limitations mainly due to efficiency, fill factor, precision, linearity and readout complexity.
I propose an innovative methodology for removing all constraints on TCSPC, promising a change in the paradigm of how TCSPC systems are conceived and how time-resolved measurements are carried out. To achieve such an ambitious goal, a radical change is necessary. I expect to develop a comprehensive mathematical model showing that pile-up distortion can be avoided with any combination of single photon detector and laser excitation power if additional picosecond-precision information on the status of system in each time bin is acquired at run-time. I will develop ultrafast electronics for Single Photon Avalanche Diodes to move from theory to the real experimental world. Moreover, I will empower the new constraint-less TCSPC by developing an innovative computational imaging framework, opening the way to the real-time acquisition of 4D images. Next-generation TCSPC systems based on the HÈRMES methodology will allow the exploitation of this powerful tool in crucial applications such as, for example, intraoperative and neuron imaging, where an ultrafast but still linear acquisition is necessary to enable complex operations like image-assisted brain surgery and spike analysis of neurons.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2023-STG

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Host institution

POLITECNICO DI MILANO
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 500 000,00
Address
PIAZZA LEONARDO DA VINCI 32
20133 Milano
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 500 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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