A team of European researchers has introduced a groundbreaking open-source luminescence imaging instrument that aims to enhance accessibility to advanced fluorescence and electroluminescence techniques across various scientific fields. This innovative device, detailed in the journal Optics Express, presents a cost-effective and customizable alternative to traditional laboratory setups, supporting disciplines ranging from plant science to materials research.
Democratizing Advanced Imaging Techniques
The newly developed luminescence macroscope combines flexibility, affordability, and precision in a single platform. Unlike conventional imaging instruments, which often rely on fixed optical configurations, this macroscope supports complex, time-resolved illumination and detection protocols. Researchers can program arbitrary light modulation sequences, synchronize multiple wavelengths, and capture high-speed responses while accommodating diverse sample types, from potted plants to photovoltaic devices.
Dr. Ian Coghill, co-lead author from École Normale Supérieure in Paris, stated, “Our goal was to remove that barrier. We’ve built a system that others can easily replicate, without specialist training.” The team has made a comprehensive suite of resources available to the public, including computer-aided design (CAD) files, detailed assembly instructions, calibration protocols, and Python-based control software. The entire system can be constructed for less than €25,000, primarily using off-the-shelf and 3D-printed components, making it attainable for smaller laboratories and interdisciplinary teams.
Wide Applications Across Disciplines
The macroscope’s design accommodates multiple illumination sources across ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths (405–740 nm) and supports synchronized imaging at rates of up to 100 frames per second. It can implement tailored modulation sequences—such as sinusoidal, pulsed, or user-defined patterns—to investigate the kinetics of photoactive systems. The research team has successfully demonstrated its capabilities in several applications:
– **Plant physiology**: The system was used to measure photosynthetic parameters and track herbicide uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana using dynamic fluorescence protocols.
– **Protein photophysics**: Researchers distinguished reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent proteins through their kinetic “fingerprints” employing techniques like RIOM (Rectified Imaging under Optical Modulation).
– **Optoelectronic devices**: The macroscope mapped frequency-dependent electroluminescence in solar cells and LEDs, providing insights into charge transport and recombination dynamics.
Dr. Ludovic Jullien, senior author and coordinator of the DREAM project, expressed optimism about the macroscope’s potential. “These examples are just a glimpse of what’s possible. By combining open hardware with programmable illumination, we hope to enable both fundamental research and practical innovation in fields as diverse as plant biology, photonics, and renewable energy.”
In line with the open-science ethos of the DREAM project, all build files, analysis scripts, and experimental data are freely accessible via Zenodo. The researchers encourage the scientific community to adapt the design for their specific needs, modify it for new optical modalities, or integrate it into automated imaging workflows. Dr. Coghill emphasized, “This is not a one-off prototype. It’s a platform others can build upon—an accessible gateway to exploring dynamic photophysics.”
The introduction of this versatile imaging system marks a significant advancement in the field of luminescence imaging, potentially transforming the landscape of scientific research and innovation.
