A CCD-based tissue imaging system

A novel tissue imaging system has been developed utilising a cooled scientific grade charge coupled device (CCD) to detect the low energy X-ray emissions and beta particle emissions from a variety of isotopes commonly used in tissue autoradiography. Results are presented which illustrate the systems potential for faster and more accurate imaging of tissue samples than is conventionally achieved using film emulsion autoradiography. With position resolution approaching 20 mu m and intrinsic sensitivity approaching 100%, the CCD system also surpasses the performance of current digital autoradiography technology. Because of the frame-by-frame composite way in which images are constructed, the system displays excellent linearity over a large dynamic range. Operation of the CCD in the inverted mode at temperatures up to 35 degrees C has been investigated, with promising results.