Devices and methods for direct-sampling analog time-resolved detection

A sampling device for performing data analysis for photon migration comprising:

• a light source to emit illuminating light;
• a photomultiplier tube that detects a response from a tissue sample to the illuminating light and generates an analog signal;
• an analog to digital converter for sampling the analog signal received from the photomultiplier tube and converting the analog signal into a digital signal;
• a logic circuit coupled to the analog to digital converter for processing the digital signal received from the analog to digital converter;
• wherein the sampling rate of the converter is faster than the time of flight or phase delay of the response of the sample to the illuminating light, and
• wherein the logic circuit is configured to process the digital signal continuously acquired from the analog to digital converter such that data analysis is obtained.

A method for processing an analog signal comprising:

• positioning a biological sample relative to a light source;
• subjecting the biological sample to illuminating light to generate a response;
• detecting the response of the biological sample with a detector module to generate an analog signal of the response generated from the sample;
• sampling the analog signal received from the detector module, and converting the analog signal into a digital signal with an analog to digital converter, wherein the sampling rate is faster than the response of the sample to the illuminating light;
• processing the digital signal continuously acquired from the analog to digital converter using a logic circuit;
• and
• further processing the processed digital signal with a computer connected to the logic circuit.