WP2: A source for multimodal imaging based on supercontinuum generation are developed (ESR1). Integration of sources into small packages for high-resolution, high-speed imaging based on semiconductors are designed, fabricated and tested (ESR2). Pump sources based on semiconductor lasers are investigated (ESR3), which links with the development of femtosecond lasers (ESR4).
WP3: Three imaging modalities (MSOT, OCT and ultrasound) were researched and in summary achieved: 1) The implementation of a hybrid MSOT/OCT endoscopic system including illumination and detection units, validated for ex-vivo rotation hybrid endoscopic imaging of upper GI track large animal samples, and its demonstration in 3D fusion-visualizations of MSOT and OCT (ESR5). 2) The hybrid microscopy and mesoscopy optoacoustic imaging implementation developed in reflection mode, enabling large area screening followed by small area high-resolution imaging of selected regions of interest, and validated in in-vivo studies. (ESR7). 3) The novel implementation of a hand-held linear and endoscopic radial ultrasound despeckling approach, enabling unprecedented image contrast and quality, and its demonstration with phantoms mimicking lymph nodes in the GI track (ESR7). 4) An advanced inversion approach developed to enhance reconstruction optoacoustic imaging accuracy, and its validation with multi-frequency fusion analysis in pre-clinical studies (ESR6).
WP4: The focus was on biomarkers, multimodal imaging platforms and their clinical validation including the integration of MPM, OCT, ultrasound and Raman spectroscopy. The envisaged medical imaging platforms employ developed laser technology from WP2 to realize a multimodal, multi-scale, molecular sensitive imaging engine applied to specific and sensitive tumour sensing and characterization. The platforms were based on a modified commercial surgical microscope as well as a newly developed microscopes, endoscopes and cystoscopes. ESR 8 developed a 1300nm swept source based OCT setup that was used for testing various iterations of forward imaging probes. ESR 9 developed a hybrid microscope platform combining OCT and Multi-Photon Microscopy (MPM). ESR 10 developed a multimodal OCT and fluorescence lifetime (FLIM) microscope in close collaboration with Zeiss for neuro-surgery. ESR 11 developed advanced machine learning algorithms for medical diagnosis. ESR 12 investigated minimally invasive surgery including image fusion obtained by fusing the 3D medical images of the patients, such as CTs and MRIs, on the endoscopic field of view, in close collaboration with Philips.
WP5: The multimodal imaging device that could image volumetric, metabolic, electrical and mechanical changes in living systems label-free was developed. This device combined wide field, dark field and phase contrast imaging, with 4-point electrophysiological recordings, MPM and SHG. The chemical, physical and optical processes that underlie neurological activity and perform experiments on model membrane systems, components of cells (e.g. microtubules), various living cell culture in order to determine the relationship between optical signals and electrical, mechanical and structural changes, volumetric and metabolic activity, were investigated (ESR14-15). The microscope was further compacted by applying the novel ultrafast light source designed and developed (ESR13).
WP6 and WP7: ESRs have been exposed to transferring their results into applications through a novel programme emphasising innovation and technology transfer. ESRs have with great enthusiasm taken part in seminars, technical meetings, coaching on entrepreneurship, and business-oriented activities, i.e. Summer School in entrepreneurship.
