Miniaturised 3D biomedical imaging: multimodal miniature microscope development

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The aim of the PhD project is the development of novel cost-effective, miniaturised biomedical imaging systems using 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 5 years alone. These novel techniques are however still costly, limiting distribution and accessibility in less funded labs and developing countries.Tackling this availability gap, an approach of miniaturisation for the development of a miniaturised light sheet microscopy (LSM) system with complementary photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) readout is targeted in this studentship. LSM has the benefit of fast 3D fluorescence imaging with low light doses and low photo toxicity, allowing investigations of long term biomedical processes, while PAM has seen an increased research interest in recent years, with tomographic and optical resolution schemes implementing the benefit of label free, deep tissue imaging in biomedical applications. The project will develop new techniques to miniaturise and combine multiple imaging modalities, looking at increasing imaging depth and imaging potential in thick biological samples. This miniaturisation will be based on optical Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, micro-optics and 3D-printing, with the student receiving support and gaining experience on all technological parts of this through the supervisors and further members of our research group working on biomedical imaging systems.The PhD position will benefit and contribute to a wider program of research on miniaturised biomedical imaging systems, sponsored by a RAEng Engineering for Development Research Fellowship which has 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.