The goal of the ALIAS (Autofluorescence Lifetime Imaging And Spectroscopy for clinical and cultural heritage diagnostics) project is to study novel applications and diagnostic protocols of autofluorescence lifetime imaging based on the development and use of a new interoperable prototype for both clinical and cultural heritage (CH) diagnostics.

Specific objectives

• Optimization of a high-sensitivity time-resolved camera based on a linear microelectronic Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) array chip for Time Gated Single Photon Counting and Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting.
• Upgrade of an autofluorescence lifetime imaging platform to be deployed for studies in clinical and cultural heritage settings for diagnostic purposes.
• Design and development of two different fibre-based optical probes, specifically developed for clinical and CH applications, to be integrated in the platform.
• Integration of the fibre-based optical probes in the developed platforms.
• Innovative applications and measurement protocols of the instrument for clinical diagnostics on freshly excised samples of colon tumour.
• Innovative applications and measurement protocols of the instrument for characterization of CH specimens (measurements on protectives and patinas).

Methodology

The instrument core module, an existing platform hosting a laser source, photomultipler tube detectors, and the electronics, will be upgraded with innovative SPAD sensors and a second laser source, strictly following the constraint of portability for in situ measurements. The device will be connected to two different optical head modules, specifically optimised for applications in clinical and cultural heritage diagnostics. The optical signal will be delivered and collected by using optical fibres to minimize size and weight of the optical modules, thus maximising on site manoeuvrability. After proper calibration, the system will be validated on both clinical and CH specimens."