Integrated microtomography and optical imaging systems

摘要

An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet. Multiple imaging objects can be imaged simultaneously, and side mirrors can provide side views of the object to the overhead camera.

主权项

1. An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system, comprising:
an imaging chamber adapted to contain a separate imaging object therewithin; a rotating table located within the imaging chamber and comprising a surface configured to directly contact and support the separate imaging object so that a length of a body of the object extends in a plane defined by the surface of the rotating table, wherein the rotating table is further adapted to rotate the imaging object about an axis extending through the object in a direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the surface, to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process; an optical imaging system located within or about the imaging chamber, said optical imaging system comprising:
a camera positioned substantially vertically above the imaging object in a direction parallel to the axis and adapted to obtain optical images of the imaging object with respect to the axis while the imaging object is on the rotating table; anda radiation source oriented to perform transillumination of the imaging object along a direction parallel to the axis and on a side of the object vertically below the imaging object, so that the optical images correspond to light emitted from the imaging object along the direction parallel to the axis; and a microtomography imaging system located within or about the imaging chamber and configured to obtain x-ray images of the imaging object while the imaging object is in direct contact with the surface of the rotating table, said microtomography imaging system comprising an x-ray source and one or more x-ray sensors adapted to receive x-rays from the x-ray source, wherein the x-ray source is oriented so that x-rays generated by the x-ray source propagate in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the surface, and wherein the optical images and the x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains within the imaging chamber.