Introduction to Applications
The applications research team's main focus being the application of photonics to challenges presented by the life sciences. This rapidly emerging area of “Biophotonics” covers both research aimed at improving medical diagnosis as well as leadership in the development of microscopic imaging techniques based upon laser excitation. Many of the projects are thus multidisciplinary with close collaborations both within the Institute and beyond. In all of the research there is a fundamental photonics challenge presented by both clinicians and life science researchers. By developing an excellent understanding of the real desires of the collaborating partner, and fully understanding the fundamental physics behind that challenge, the team is able to ensure that the research is focused towards the best possible outcome for all parties. As can be seen in the breadth of research the work involves both the development of novel instruments based upon known technology as well as being actively involved with the progression of new areas of photonics research.

The Institute helped found the Centre for Biophotonics at Strathclyde where the research is taken further into the realm of the life scientist. This close liaison with outside groups is core to the growth of the team enabling the early identification of new areas of research.

Current Research (this information is out of date and will be updated soon, June 2010)

Laser Tweezers Optical trapping projects taking place at the Institute of Photonics

'The Abraham and Minkowski dilemma: An experimental and theoretical resolution?'

Multiphoton Microscopy New imaging methods and adaptive optics for in depth imaging

Confocal Microscopy Research into the development of practical instrumentation

Dental Caries Detection Investigations into novel optical methods of the early detection and diagnosis of dental disease

Micro-Optics and Sources Exploration into the application of micro-optics and sources to DNA screening, miniature microscopes, and optical tweezers

Trace Chemical Detection Research into new ways of monitoring chemical process in very low concentrations

Reseach Staff	Position	Publications
Dr. Amanda Wright	Associate Team Leader
PhD Students
Caroline Muellenbroich
Fiona Watts
Nicci Townshend
Genet Tesfagaber
Layean Tan

Current EPSRC Support (to be updated 2010)
(P)=Principal Investigator, (C)=Co-Investigator, (R)=Recognised Researcher:

EP/E006000/1 ADVANCED SOLID-STATE LASER SOURCES AND SYSTEMS (C)


EP/D062861/1 Nanometrology for Molecular Science, Medicine and Manufacture (C)


EP/C533488/1 The Abraham vs Minkowski Dilemma: An Experimental Resolution (C)


EP/C533496/1 The Abraham vs Minkowski Dilemma: An Experimental Resolution (P)


GR/S85399/01 Physical & chemical property characterisation in HTT by in-situ analysis & smart data processing (C)


GR/S85764/01 Basic Technology: A Thousand Micro-emitters Per Square Millimetre: New Light On Organic Materials & Structures (C)


GR/R87901/01 Basic Technology: Deep, time-resolved imaging in aberrant biological media by adaptive and predictive wave-front correction (C)



Previous EPSRC Support
(P)=Principal Investigator, (C)=Co-Investigator, (R)=Recognised Researcher:

GR/S80660/01 P3A: Photonics on the 06:30 shuttle (C)


GR/R73768/01 Platform: General Engineering Platform Grant: Advanced high power solid-state laser systems and applications (C)

GR/R34639/01 Integrated Rapid Imaging Microscope and Electrophysiological Recording System. (P)

GR/M58993/01 APPLICATION OF NOVEL OPTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR EARLY DETECTION OF DENTAL DECAY (C)

GR/M58986/01 APPLICATION OF NOVEL OPTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR EARLY DETECTION OF DENTAL DECAY (P)

GR/L71629/01 MACROSCOPIC TWO-PHOTON IMAGING USING ALL SOLID STATE LASERS (P)

For EPSRC reports- click here

Click here to see the Applications Team at play