Dynamic fluorescence lifetime sensing with CMOS single-photon avalanche diode arrays and deep learning processors

Measuring fluorescence lifetimes of fast-moving cells or particles have broad applications in biomedical sciences. This paper presents a dynamic lifetime sensing (DFLS) system based on the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) principle. It integrates CMOS 192 × 128 avalanche diode (SPAD) array, offering an enormous photon-counting throughput without pile-up effects. We also proposed quantized convolutional neural network (QCNN) algorithm and designed field-programmable gate array embedded processor for determinations. The uses simple architecture, showing unparallel advantages accuracy, analysis speed, power consumption. can resolve against disturbing noise. evaluated DFLS using dyes fluorophore-tagged microspheres. effectively measure within single exposure period SPAD sensor, paving way portable time-resolved devices shows potential various applications.