Metabolic 1-p FLIM of macroscopic samples

We present the Macro FLIM system, a compact and robust solution for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) that eliminates the need for conventional microscope optics. Using the DCS-120 confocal scanner, fluorescence lifetime images are acquired directly from the object plane, enabling imaging of large samples (up to 15 mm field diameter) with minimal disruption to biological systems. This system is optimized for in vivo metabolic imaging, targeting the intrinsic fluorescence of metabolic coenzymes NAD(P)H and FAD. Changes in their fluorescence lifetimes provide insights into metabolic states, allowing differentiation between healthy and cancerous tissues. We demonstrate this capability in a mouse liver immune response model, where tumor and non-tumor regions showed distinct decay curves, consistent with known metabolic shifts. To improve UV excitation sensitivity, a custom scan lens made from UV-transparent glass was developed, increasing signal intensity by 40%. Integrated B&H technology enables fast, high-fidelity data acquisition with automatic noise suppression, allowing accurate lifetime estimation even under low-photon conditions. Beyond biomedical applications, the Macro FLIM system is also applicable in material science. In perovskite solar cell research, it enabled simultaneous mapping of photocurrent and photoluminescence, offering new insights into device behavior under dynamic conditions. This versatile system expands FLIM applications across multiple disciplines.