MKID detectors integrated into Miniature Imaging Systems in Light Sensitive Applications

MKIDs are a new generation of highly sensitive super conducting quantum based photon detector that provide both spectral and temporal resolution of incoming photons. These devices are therefore ideal for applications in photon starved situations. One such area is in imaging in the life sciences for microscopy and in vivo imaging. In fluorescent imaging the excitation light level should be minimised to reduce any phototoxic effects in tissues, and this is particularly the case in non-linear imaging within the brain. This project will investigate the latest MKID array detectors integrated with coherent single mode fibre bundles and miniature optics for deep tissue imaging with the longer-term goal of both in human imaging and for brain studies.

A miniature imaging system based both on widefield imaging through coherent fibre bundles and also beam scanned imaging (both single point and line scanned) will be examined and integrated to the latest generation of MKID detectors. Through the use of miniature optics on the distal end of the fibre bundle confocal imaging will be possible due to the single mode fibres acting in effect as a confocal pinhole. Using a range of both tissue mimics and real tissue the limits of using MKIDs for optical microscopy and other potential biomedical applications will be explored.