3D k-space reflectance fluorescence tomography via deep learning.

We report on the potential to perform image reconstruction in 3D k-space reflectance fluorescence tomography (FT) using deep learning (DL). Herein, we adopt a modified AUTOMAP architecture and develop a training methodology that leverages an open-source Monte-Carlo-based simulator to generate a large dataset. Using an enhanced EMNIST (EEMNIST) dataset as an embedded contrast function allows us to train the network efficiently. The optical strategy utilizes k-space illumination in a reflectance configuration to probe tissue in the mesoscopic regime with high sensitivity and resolution. The proposed DL model training and validation is performed with both in silico data and a phantom experiment. Overall, our results indicate that the approach can correctly reconstruct both single and multiple fluorescent embedding(s) in a 3D volume. Furthermore, the presented technique is shown to outperform the traditional approaches [least-squares (LSQ) and total-variation minimization (TVAL)], especially at higher depths. We, therefore, expect the proposed computational technique to have future implications in preclinical studies.