SPC Modules Record TCSPC FLIM with Bidirectional Scanning
Starting from Version 9.73 SPCM Software, the bh TCSPC / FLIM systems are able to record FLIM with bidirectional scanning. The data are recorded in the FIFO Imaging mode. The data acquisition is synchronised with the scanning by frame clock, line clock, and pixel clock pulses from the scanner. Each first line clock pulse indicates the beginning of a forward scan, each second one the beginning of a backward scan. The recording procedure automatically reverses the data from the backward scan and compensates for the line shift caused by the dynamic behaviour of the scanner. Bidirectional recording has been implemented for all bh TCSPC modules which have the FIFO Imaging (software accumulation) mode implemented. That means the function is available for all SPC-150, SPC-150N, SPC-160 and SPC-160pcie modules, and for SPC?830 modules manufactured later than May 2007. The structure of the data recorded is the same as for unidirectional scanning, and the same high pixel numbers and time channel numbers can be achieved. The online intensity and lifetime image display functions of the SPCM software are available, and the recorded data can be analysed by bh SPCIMage FLIM data analysis software as usual.
 
    
FLIM recorded by bidirectional scanning. Left: FLIM of Convallaria sample, 512x512 pixels. Right: BPAE cell sample, 1024 x 1024 pixels. No blurring of image details or double structures are visible, indicating a perfect match of the forward and backward scan. bh Simple-Tau 152 FLIM system, Zeiss LSM 880 in bidirectional scan mode.
(Click here for application note)