Project description
Taming the waves and diving in deep: breaking the depth-to-resolution barrier
The electromagnetic spectrum is populated by photons with different energies that can be harnessed for imaging specimens. X-rays were among the first methods used to see deep inside living tissues, and light microscopes are the prototype for specimens on slides, where light diffusion is minimal due to the shallow depth. Advanced optical imaging techniques relying on photons in the visible, ultraviolet or infrared range are breaking the depth barrier, and the EU-funded Wavelens project is planning to adapt them for next-generation microscopy. Implementing dynamic modulation of the optical wavefront, the technology will be integrated into a standard microscope lens to significantly enhance customer access and company market share.
Objective
For centuries optical microscopy constitutes one of the most fundamental paradigms in biological and medical imaging, even though significantly challenged by light diffusion in tissue, limiting its applicability to superficial depths. Recent advances though have paved the way for exploiting multiple scattering and the increased optical paths to predetermine light propagation, addressing the depth to resolution limits and significantly improve optical imaging capabilities. The currently running DynAMic project in which WAVELENS is linked to aims at revolutionizing microscopic imaging by breaking the depth-to-resolution ratio offering non-invasive, real time, high resolution, multiparametric in vivo imaging, across length scales, deep in biological complex media. Launching from these technology innovations, WAVELENS aims at substantially disrupting the modus operandi of microscopic imaging creating a next generation microscopy capability with enormous benefits for the scientific, industrial and societal community. What this project will achieve is to investigate the commercialization of a completely new line of technology based on the advanced wavefront shaping systems developed within DynAMic up to the proof of concept level, and further engineered and integrated in the shell of a standard microscope objective lens. Spearheaded by this proof of concept prototype, WAVELENS will produce user-defined demonstrator prototypes, a complete market analysis, IP valuation and freedom to operate landscape, a detailed business plan and complete pitching portfolio, providing a concrete foundation for a high-tech spin-off company created during or after the end of the project.
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
70013 Irakleio
Greece