A multifunctional fluorescence imaging control system by LabVIEW

A multifunctional fluorescence imaging system based on LabVIEW has been developed, which can perform fluorescence intensity scanning imaging, and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). The system utilizes software based on LabVIEW to control a Data Acquisition (DAQ) card, Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) card, and galvanometer to achieve point-scan imaging. The FLIM module integrates Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) for galvanometer control, allowing simultaneous management of the galvanometer while outputting clock synchronization signals from the DAQ card as trigger signals for FLIM. This feature facilitates TCSPC FLIM. In addition, by integrating related DLLs and introducing a 3D sample stage, the system can manipulate the 3D sample stage to perform fluorescence imaging at different depths, thereby generating 3D images of the samples and achieving 3D scanning imaging. Ultimately, the system seamlessly integrates LabVIEW software, confocal scanning system, DAQ card, 3D sample stage, and TCSPC card into a single platform for multifunctional fluorescence imaging. All imaging operations are performed within a single software interface, which outputs image data for further processing. Compared to commercial FLIM systems that run on multiple independent software platforms, our system minimizes unexpected errors and delays caused by inter-software communication and file transfer, successfully achieving multifunctional imaging.