Multi-object, high-throughput, spectro-microscopy
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Microscopy is a pervasive technology with applications from biology to material and nanoscience. At their heart, microscopes are predominately based on high numerical aperture, short focal length objective lenses producing images that can be seen by eye and/or electronically recorded, typically with 3-colour CCD cameras or a selection of coloured filters, but leaving the full spectral details unknown.We plan to revolutionise the field of spectroscopic microscopy by developing a technology that will provide full colour spectrum, simultaneously from many points within a sample. To record high resolution (spatially and spectral) spectra across an extended field of view with a conventional microscope one currently employs a time-sequential recording technique: either a spectrally dispersed image of a single point or a line is scanned across the scene, or an extended image is recorded through a spectrally scanned filter, both methods being comparatively slow. We propose to develop a novel approach combining all the advantages of the existing methods into a single unit: i.e. a system with both high spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution. Although real-time, high-resolution spectral imaging has been a goal for many years no existing approach comes close to this combination of features. Of those techniques that record spectral and image data simultaneously, the Computed Tomographic Imaging Spectrometer (CTIS) is of most interest. However our technique is superior because it can view the whole field indiscriminately, rather than specific regions, it is has a superior signal to noise ratio, and, most importantly, it has ~1000 spectral channels as opposed to ~50. This project will develop a demonstrator and benchmark it against challenging problems in bio microscopy, spectroscopy and security, including multipoint SERS and Raman microscopy, and spectroscopically contrasted imaging in a range of biological samples.
Publications
Chaigneau E
(2011)
Impact of wavefront distortion and scattering on 2-photon microscopy in mammalian brain tissue.
in Optics express
Chalmers S
(2012)
Mitochondrial motility and vascular smooth muscle proliferation.
in Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology
Girkin JM
(2009)
Adaptive optics for deeper imaging of biological samples.
in Current opinion in biotechnology
McCarron JG
(2013)
From structure to function: mitochondrial morphology, motion and shaping in vascular smooth muscle.
in Journal of vascular research
Mozharov S
(2011)
Improved method for kinetic studies in microreactors using flow manipulation and noninvasive Raman spectrometry.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Saunter CD
(2012)
Micro-endoscope for in vivo widefield high spatial resolution fluorescent imaging.
in Biomedical optics express
Silburn S
(2011)
Multidepth, multiparticle tracking for active microrheology using a smart camera
in Review of Scientific Instruments
Title | "I" Installation Art |
Description | An instrument was based based upon the project which viewed a subjects eye and then projected images onto a wall depending on the data from the eye. This was part of the Durham Lumiere Festival and over 2000 subjects had their eyes scanned and the resulting images displayed on the University wall in real time. The festival attracted 150000 people in total of which well over 50% can be expected to have seen the display. |
Type Of Art | Artwork |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Impact | Radio interview and interest in placing the final version in the Wellcome Trust museum. Link below has final video of event and our work is flashed at the beginning and briefly again at around 4 minutes 28 seconds. |
URL | http://www.lumiere-festival.com/durham/news/thats-a-wrap!/ |
Description | Through the use of a novel form of fibre optic based spectroscopy we have examined several biological processes taking place at high spatial and spectral (colour) resolution. This has enabled us to understand some of the processes taking place within biological cells relating to heart disease. |
Exploitation Route | The method is now being used in another project supported by the TSB with P&G to look at on line powder production. This project is also linked with others in the food and pharmaceutical industry |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | P&G are now using a variation of the methods developed in this project to assess washing powders |
First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Advanced Manufacturing Projects |
Amount | £8,500,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2014 |
End | 04/2017 |
Description | EPSRC Responsive Mode |
Amount | £506,510 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/I010173/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2010 |
End | 04/2014 |
Description | Proctor and Gamble Analysis of Washing and Powders |
Organisation | Procter & Gamble |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | The work I initially undertook using research from this project in analysing washing action has now lead to a long term collaboration with P&G covering many departments across the University. Without this initial link based upon this project it is unlikely that this collaboration would have grown in the way it has |
Collaborator Contribution | Durham University is now one of P&G's key partners and the collaboration has lead to ~£15M income to the University of which £5M has come directly from P&G. |
Impact | The interaction is now multidisciplinary covering Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics and Biology. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Exhibition |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Over 5000 children attended the event over 4 days. The direct feedback from the children was very positive and I had one 7 year old who then explained our exhibition to her teacher! I have since done three schools visits and the research has featured on local TV and also an hour long live interview with local radio. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Jeremiah Horrocks Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A large public lecture at the University of Central Lancashire also shown on U-Tube |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Ted-X Talk Cambridge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A Ted-X talk in Cambridge on the use of modern optical methods in the development of consuming goods. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZRl7kyVfe0 |