Biomedical optics

The optical properties of tissue (e.g. the absorption and scattering coefficients, the scattering anisotropy) determine the information that is present in the detected signals. We use this information for the diagnosis of diseases and or the monitoring of tissue status or therapy. Based on the intrinsic contrast we develop and apply novel optical techniques e.g. hyperspectral imaging, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, single fiber reflectance spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). By sophisticated analysis methods and new models describing the light tissue interaction, functional information of the tissue under study is obtained. This information can be used to improve, for instance, tumor detection, bilirubin monitoring in neonates, oxygen and dehydration monitoring.

Focus

Imaging single fiber reflectance spectroscopy

In the past we showed that with single fiber spectroscopy and a novel light tissue interaction model, tumors in the Barratt’s esophagus could be detected with a high accuracy. For these measurements, the fiber tips had to be in contact with the esophagus wall. In order to improve the clinical application, we will develop a non-contact imaging single fiber reflectance spectroscopy method.

md-sfr
Adapted from: Faber et al, Optics Letters 2020

Maximizing treatment free duration of remission in psoriasis through selective photothermolysis

Research project to elucidate the mechanism of action by which photothermal therapy (by pulsed laser treatment) is able to downregulate the immunological overexpression typical of psoriasis and to develop a model to predict laser settings for individualized optimal treatment. In this project we use finite element modeling combined with optical properties based on detailed morphology to estimate the fluence in the tissue and the consequent temperature rise.

pulsed-dye-laser-treatment
From: Wilk et al, Modelling pulsed dye laser treatment of psoriatic plaques by combining numerical methods and image-derived lesion morphologies, in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2024

OCT detector: optical coherence tomography to revolutionize bladder cancer imaging and diagnostics

In this Eurostars research project we develop and clinically evaluate a forward-looking Optical Coherence Tomography probe using MEMS-based catheters for the detection of bladder cancer. Based on the high-resolution OCT images and the subsequent analysis of the OCT signals (e.g., to determine the attenuation coefficient) the detection of superficial bladder tumors will be pursued.

forward-looking-oct-probe

Ultrafast optical spectroscopy for depth resolved optical biopsy

In this research project, we investigate the feasibility and limitations of high-resolution depth resolved spectroscopy e.g. to detect the presence of tumors in tissue specimens during surgery. Because currently a suitable model is lacking, in this project new physics theory will be established and experimentally validated, with novel hardware for time-resolved sub-diffuse spectroscopy.

diffusion-equation-telegraphers-equation

Integrated optical coherence tomography for organ on a chip (ioct4ooc)

This project is part of the NXTGENHIGHTECH consortium. Organs on Chip have the potential to revolutionize drug development and disease modelling, and the Netherlands is at the forefront of this technology in terms of business and academic knowledge. However, lack of industry standards currently prohibit the integration of technological and biological building blocks from different manufacturers. In this project we will work on the development of Optical Coherence Tomography based on integrated photonics platforms (iOCT) in order to develop tools to visualize the organ on chip (OoC). We will develop new analysis tools to monitor changes in the structure as well as the physiological properties of the organ on chip.

Output

See more…

Internships

See below for examples of internship projects that we offer. The projects may not always be entirely up-to-date, but they give a good impression of the work at our department. In addition, you can find the contact details of supervisors that you can send a message. Also if you have your own project proposal matching our research scope, please don’t hesitate to contact us.