Computational Light Microscopy

Optical microscopy is an important physics field, which played a crucial role in many discoveries over the past centuries. It is often the preferred method of imaging due to its ability to capture dynamical systems and image deep within the sample. However, this functionality has been limited by light scattering which occurs in heterogeneous media [1].

This project will allow me to investigate how properties of such media affect light propagation, providing me with an opportunity to develop methods to overcome the associated image blur.

I expect to develop a novel type of differential contrast microscope. Unlike the ones that are already adopted by the School of Life Sciences, this microscope will use confocal laser scanning and thus will be able to image the sample in three dimensions. This will allow me to map out the optical properties of turbid biological samples. Using the gathered data, it will then be possible to design an adaptive optics system, which will harness the heterogeneity of the sample to undo the image blur. More specifically, the light input/output would be modulated in a way to make the light scatter into the 'correct' wavefront in desired locations within the media. I worked on a similar topic during my honours project and I believe that with my background in physics, optical modelling and programming I will be able to turn this multidisciplinary research into a major success.