Direction of Research:
The goal of this laboratory is to develop and implement novel optical techniques and instruments for biomedical detection or imaging of cells and tissues for in vitro, in vivo and in situ applications. Research activities are directed to 1. Develop polarization scattering based label-free optical techniques for imaging biomedical species at the cellular level. 2. Identify new biomarkers or biophysical features for precision diagnosis. 3. Generate 3-dimensional culture model for studying the different types of tissues.Focus on:
We will primarily study label-free imaging methods based on polarized photon scattering, including the behavior of polarized photon propagating in turbid media, accurate measurements of polarization states and Mueller matrices, extraction of microstructural feature specific polarization parameters, and apply the new methods in biomedical applications. In the meantime, we will implement established optical techniques such as Raman, optical coherence tomography (OCT), one/two photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and nonlinear optics microscopy, and couple different techniques to investigating molecular physiology and pathophysiology of cells and tissues related to human diseases. We will also generate new chemical and genetic sensors for carrying on quantitative characterization of intracellular dynamics and for monitoring protein functions, cell physiology or tissue homeostasis in model systems.