Linear and nonlinear optical solutions to biological problems

As the life sciences community continues to embrace optical microscopy techniques, the growing range of applications places greater demands on laser technology. The need to visualise cellular and sub-cellular structures within fixed and live tissue, and to capture dynamic cellular and intracellular process, has undoubtedly created new research paths in optical development. In particular, the ability to control the temporal, spectral and spatial properties of robust, simple to use laser sources is crucial for successful and efficient bio-imaging.

By providing the ability to precisely control excitation parameters, linear and nonlinear optics offers a potential solution in the creation of novel photonics systems for bio-imaging applications. I will present an overview of photonics research at the Centre for Biophotonics aimed at improving various imaging methods including confocal and multi-photon microscopy.