Multi-mode internal imaging

A multi-modal system for imaging an object, comprising:

• an imaging system adapted to image the object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image, the first imaging mode being a computed tomography x-ray mode or other x-ray mode, and to image the object in a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode to capture a second image, the second imaging mode comprising measuring fluorescence or luminescence from the inside the object, wherein the object being imaged emits between about 103 and about 1010 photons/second/centimeter squared/steradian;
• a movable stage that supports the object during and between the first and second imaging modes such that the multi-modal imaging system images the object in the first imaging mode and images the object in the second imaging mode without substantially disturbing the position of the object during or between imaging modes, the movable stage comprising a sealing member that interfaces with the imaging system to provide a substantially light tight seal between an interior cavity of the imaging system and a space outside the imaging chamber when the movable stage is within the interior cavity;
• and
• an electronic processor connected to the imaging system and configured to:
• combine object image information obtained in the first imaging mode and object image information obtained in the second imaging mode;
• and
• construct a three-dimensional representation of a light source distribution within the object based on the combined information,
• wherein the movable stage is configured to translate the object along a first direction after imaging in the first imaging mode and before imaging in the second imaging mode, and to rotate the object about an axis parallel to the first direction and to an elongate direction of the object during imaging in the second imaging mode.

A method of imaging an object, comprising:

• providing a movable stage that supports the object during imaging;
• imaging the object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image, the first imaging mode being a computed tomography x-ray mode or other x-ray mode;
• translating the movable stage with the object thereon along a first direction after the first imaging mode;
• interfacing a sealing member of the movable stage with a sealing member of an imaging chamber to provide a substantially light tight seal between an interior cavity of the imaging chamber and a space outside the imaging chamber;
• imaging the object in the interior cavity in a second imaging mode that uses light from within the object to capture a second image, the second imaging mode being a fluorescence mode or a luminescence mode;
• during the imaging in the second imaging mode, rotating the object about an axis parallel to the first direction and to an elongate direction of the object;
• and
• combining information from the first image and information from the second image, and constructing a three-dimensional representation of a light source distribution within the object based on the combined information,
• wherein the object being imaged emits between about 103 and about 1010 photons/second/centimeter squared/steradian;
• and
• wherein the position of the object on the movable stage is not substantially disturbed during the imaging, translating, and rotating steps.