Miniaturised 3D biomedical imaging: super-resolution microscopy development using 3D-printing and structured illumination

The aim of the PhD project is the development of novel cost-effective, miniaturised biomedical imaging systems which have super-resolution capability using 3D-printing, MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) technology and active micro-optics.
Emerging imaging technologies have contributed immensely to the understanding of biomedical development processes and interactions in recent times, with two Nobel Prices related to biomedical imaging techniques awarded in the last 10 years alone. These novel techniques are however still costly, limiting distribution and accessibility in less funded labs and developing countries.
The project will develop new techniques to miniaturise super-resolution imaging approaches based on optical Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, micro-optics and optical 3D-printing, to achieve a truly cost-efficient small-scale system. Additionally, new image processing techniques for achieving the super-resolution approach will be investigated, with the student receiving support and gaining experience on all technological parts of this through the supervisors and further members of our group working on biomedical imaging systems and image processing.
The PhD will benefit and contribute to a wider program of research on miniaturised biomedical imaging systems, sponsored by a EPSRC New Investigator Award and a RAEng Engineering for Development Research Fellowship, which have active collaborative partners in developing countries, specifically India (Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar), as well as the United States (Stanford University) and Japan (University of Tokyo). The student will be expected to be integrated and contribute to these collaborative involvements, including the aim to spend time at the laboratories of collaborators if possible.