CAREER (IDBR): Novel Quantitative Second-Harmonic Generation Microscope for Fundamental Study of Collagen Fibers in the Eye

该职业奖的研究目标是开发一种非侵入性的定量显微镜方法，增强空间分辨率和深度穿透性，用于研究活的生物系统(如角膜)中的胶原纤维。这种名为二次谐波产生显微镜的方法是一种非线性光学过程，可以在不需要染色或造影剂的情况下进行详细成像。该显微镜将二次谐波非线性散射与光偏振的三维控制和软件分析方法相结合。由此产生的系统将能够非侵入性地确定胶原纤维的空间组织，允许区分胶原纤维的纤维类型和评估胶原纤维的空间取向和间距。该奖项的教育目标是向普通公众推广光学科学和工程教育。为了实现这一目标，将建立一个面向高中生和大学生的关于光学的在线教育YouTube系列节目(“光子电视”)。将为中学生开发一个动手光学模块(“光学马戏团”)，并为当地社区制作一套少数民族贡献科学和技术系列。欲了解更多信息，请访问http://probe.mechse.illinois.edu。

The research objective of this CAREER award is to develop a non invasive, quantitative microscopy method with enhanced spatial resolution and depth penetration for the study of collagen fibers in living biological systems such as the cornea. The method, second-harmonic generation microscopy, is a nonlinear optical process that allows detailed imaging without the need for stains or contrast agents. The microscope would combine second harmonic nonlinear scattering with three dimensional control of light polarization and software analysis methods. The resulting system will enable noninvasive determination of the spatial organization of collagen fibers, allowing differentiation between fibrillar collagen types and assessment of collagen fiber spatial orientation and spacing.The educational objective of this award is to promote optical science and engineering education to the general public. To accomplish this, an online educational YouTube series ("Photonics TV") on optics for high-school and college students will be established. A hands-on optics module ("Optics Circus") will be developed for middle school students, and a Minority Contributions to Science and Technology Series set for use in the local community. More information is available at http://probe.mechse.illinois.edu