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

该CAREER奖的研究目标是开发一种非侵入性的定量显微镜方法，具有增强的空间分辨率和深度穿透，用于研究活体生物系统（如角膜）中的胶原纤维。 该方法，二次谐波产生显微镜，是一种非线性光学过程，允许详细的成像，而不需要染色剂或造影剂。该显微镜将联合收割机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，从而区分纤维状胶原类型并评估胶原纤维的空间取向和间距。该奖项的教育目的是向公众推广光学科学和工程教育。为了实现这一目标，将为高中和大学生建立一个关于光学的在线教育YouTube系列（“Photonics TV”）。将为中学生开发一个光学实践模块（“光学马戏团”），并为当地社区开发一个少数民族对科学和技术的贡献系列。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