Princeton Docket # 12-2798
Tomography
is a method for three-dimensional imaging by sectioning, through the use of
penetrating waves. Modern variations of
tomography involve gathering projection data from multiple directions and using
a computer to numerically reconstruct the final image. Tomography has been widely applied for
medical imaging, industrial imaging, scientific research, and educational
purposes.
Tomography requires the use of multiple views, as the internal structure
of objects can only be revealed by observations from different perspectives.
Existing
methods for acquiring multi-view images either rotate the sample or use
illumination and detectors at multiple angles. The former method limits throughput and
is unsuitable for aqueous environment, while the latter increases the complexity
and cost of the device.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a
novel device for creating 3D images by recording different viewpoints of an
object as it moves or flows past a detector. This device utilizes linear flow
with simple, fixed illumination sources and detectors to acquire the multi-view
images needed for tomography.
Multiple designs and algorithms have been proposed, both for stand-alone
devices and for easy integration with existing 2D imaging systems.
Applications
·
Biomedical
o
Medical
diagnosis
o
Biological
microscopy
o
Imaging
cells and blood flow
o
Lab-on-a-chip
devices
·
Particle
tracking
o
Fluidic
mixing
o
3D
agglomeration
·
Water
analysis
o
Swimming
zooplankton
o
Inspecting
water quality
Advantages
·
High-resolution
3D image reconstruction
·
Real-time
sample monitoring
·
Little
or no sample preparation, enabling non-invasive in-vivo observation in a sterile
environment
·
Capacity
to image low quantities of materials at high flow
rates
·
Low
manufacturing costs
·
Easy
implementation and integration of the devices
·
object
motion
Faculty
Inventor
Jason
Fleischer is
Associate Professor of Electric Engineering at Princeton University. His research focuses on nonlinear optics
and computational imaging. The emphasis is on propagation problems that are
universal to wave systems, taking advantage of the fact that optical systems
allow easy control of the input and direct imaging of the output. Among the numerous awards and honors
Professor Fleischer has received are Fellowship in the Optical Society of
America (2011), a Department of Energy Plasma Physics Junior Faculty Award
(2008), and the Emerson Electric Company Lawrence Keys '51 Faculty Advancement
Award (2007).
Intellectual Property
status
Patent protection is pending.