Visualizing and measuring fluorescence decays using the SPAD512S camera in gated imaging mode

We recorded and reconstructed the equivalent of a 55.6 trillion images per second movie of light passing through water and fluorescent material using the SPAD512S camera from PI Imaging. The SPAD512S allows 6 ns gated imaging with 18 ps time control between images. With the ability to detect and time tag single photons arrivals , the SPAD512 allows us to create slow motion videos of light propagating in space and materials with extreme ease of use ( 10 minute set -up).

In this video carried out at Axiom Optics Lab in Somerville, MA (USA) , we observe a 150 ps pulse generated by a 405 nm Picoquant laser passing through a vial located in a water tank. In the first experiment, the vial contains water and we see the light scattered by the pulse as it travels through the water tank.
In the second experiment, we fill the vial with vegetable oil which absorbs the pulse of light and reemits fluorescent light. We observe how the pulse of light travels through the water and then "ignites" the fluorescence signal. Thanks to the 18 ps timing accuracy of the SPAD, the fluorescence lifetime of oil can be measured.

SPAD512S is a unique and new camera that outperforms EMCCDs , ICCDs, sCMOS and Photomultipliers in many conditions and offers new capabilities in imaging and time resolution. It combines :
-single photon sensitivity ( zero read out noise )
-high frame rate ( 400 fps at 512 x 512 resolution )
-Gating capability/ time tagging with 18 ps accuracy and ns gate durations


For more information about the unique and incredible SPAD512 camera, go to https://www.axiomoptics.com/products/...