Computational light microscopy - Making the invisible visible

Light is a most versatile tool to study life. Optical microscopy opens a unique window into the inner workings of biological development without interfering with its delicate processes. Major advances in resolution, contrast, and throughput have been key to advance our understanding of biological development and associated diseases (https://www.nature.com/articles/ncb3138). However, the scattering of light severely limits our ability to study biological cells and their migration deeper within the tissue. This project aims to overcome this imaging-depth barrier.

In this project, the student will investigate novel 3D light microscopy techniques to visualise currently hidden biological processes. Although biological cells transmit most light, their inherent heterogeneity scatters the light in quasi random directions. The combined effect of few layers of cells is sufficient to blur the image and severely hamper our ability to investigate what happens beyond the surface. Albeit random, the light scattering is deterministic and only dependent on the optical property distribution of the sample and the laser illumination of the instrument. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of this multi-disciplinary research project, including the design and construction of experimental microscope systems (optics and control software), as well as sample preparation, recording and numerical analysis. This will require mastering state of the art control of the illumination by leveraging adaptive optics, wavefront shaping, computational imaging and machine learning techniques to push the imaging limits in microscopy.

Diversity statement

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research.  We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.