Optical sensors (optodes) for multiparameter chemical imaging: classification, challenges, and prospects

Abstract

Seeing is believing - and optical sensors (optodes) are ideal tools to make chemistry visible in real time. Find out how technological and chemical advances enable multiparameter imaging of complex samples.

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“…Detection encompasses the analysis and interpretation of these signals using various instruments and equipment to extract required information [ 237 ]. Traditionally, sensors are categorized into active sensors, which actively detect and sense physical or chemical quantities in the environment, converting them into useable signals with high sensitivity and accuracy; passive sensors, typically not requiring an external energy source and generating output signals based on measured physical quantities; and digital sensors, which usually comprise microelectronic components, optical components, and mechanical structures [ 238 , 239 ]. Digital sensors convert measurable physical quantities into digital information processable by computers, thereby facilitating intelligent control [ 240 , 241 ].…”

“…Optical imaging technology, a vital tool in medical biology and materials science, employs imaging probes and related instruments to visualize information of research interest [ 238 , 282 , 283 ]. Commonly utilized imaging instruments include fluorescence inverted microscopes, confocal fluorescence microscopes, and cryo-electron microscopes.…”