Keywords

Confocal scanning imaging, GRIN lens, micro-optics, fiber-optics, optical scatter sensing and measurement.

Subject Categories

Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering | Optics

Abstract

Optics and photonics have been one of the most important sciences and technologies that impact modern human life in a big way. For example, fiber-optics for communications and artificial intelligence. Optical probes are critical components for optical imaging and optical sensing technologies that have been actively researched and developed in the past decades. Advanced fiber-optic sensor probes with smaller size, better performance, lower noise, higher photon efficiency, rapid sensing time, and lower cost are needed in many applications, such as nanoscale material science, chemistry, and biomedical fields, etc.  In this project, new fiber-optic sensor probe technologies and integrated micro-optic devices have been studied, fabricated, and characterized. It shows the potential to improve optical confocal scanning imaging and LC-DLS sensing capabilities and performance. First, an optical relay uses a single-piece multiple-pitch long Gradient Index (GRIN) lens that is studied for deep optical imaging and optical sensing. A single-piece multi-pitch GRIN lens relay is selected, designed, fabricated, and tested in photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and multi-photon imaging (MPI) systems. A new coaxial aberration correction unit (ACU) is studied to improve imaging quality of the single-piece long multi-pitch GRIN lens imaging probe by reducing its aberrations; Second, new integrated fiber-optic probe configurations are studied, fabricated, and characterized for LC-DLS measurements. These newly designed fiber-optic probes have better performance over the bare fiber probes in terms of lower measured PSD noise and shorter measurement time, which is very important for measuring non-ergodic dynamic random processes and monitoring blood coagulation in real time; this integrated optical sensor eliminates the 2x2 coupler yielding higher photon efficiency, lower baseline noise, and a smaller sensor footprint. These newly developed technologies and devices can perform observation and measurement of in-vivo free-moving animal bodies, deep brain, deep muscle function, cardiovascular system, and heart with minimally invasive operations. It can also provide opportunities for commercial translation into practical applications.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Aristide Dogariu

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Format

PDF

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.