Modeling and Simulation of Integrated Luminescence Detection Platforms

We developed a simulation model of an integrated CMOS-based imaging platform for use with bioluminescent DNA microarrays. We formulate the complete kinetic model of ATP based assays and luciferase label-based assays. The model first calculates the number of photons generated per unit time, i.e., photon flux, based upon the kinetics of the light generation process of luminescence probes. The photon flux coupled with the system geometry is then used to calculate the number of photons incident on the photodetector plane. Subsequently the characteristics of the imaging array including the photodetector spectral response, its dark current density, and the sensor conversion gain are incorporated. The model also takes into account different noise sources including shot noise, reset noise, readout noise and fixed pattern noise. Finally, signal processing algorithms are applied to the image to enhance detection reliability and hence increase the overall system throughput. We will present simulations and preliminary experimental results.