Universal wavefront shaping digital microscope objective lens

Descrizione del progetto

Rivoluzionare la microscopia moderna

I recenti progressi nel campo della microscopia ottica hanno determinato numerosi cambiamenti significativi nella ricerca biologica e medica, determinando trasformazioni rivoluzionarie in questi settori e rendendo possibili importanti scoperte e invenzioni. Ciononostante, permangono alcuni limiti fondamentali, quali la diffusione e le aberrazioni all’interno dei tessuti, che limitano la risoluzione alle profondità maggiori e ostacolano ulteriori sviluppi in questo ambito. Il progetto UNILENS, finanziato dal CEI, mira a realizzare un obiettivo avanzato, universale e programmabile digitalmente che integri nella sua struttura la modellazione del fronte d’onda e consenta il controllo in tempo reale della luce senza alcuna parte mobile all’interno dell’obiettivo stesso.

Obiettivo

Modern optical microscopy has transformed biological and medical research, yet fundamental limitations persist: scattering and aberrations in tissue degrade resolution at depth, while current adaptive optics solutions remain bulky, costly, or modality-restricted. UNILENS aims to disrupt the modus operandi of microscopy by creating a universal, digitally programmable objective lens that directly embeds wavefront shaping into the lens itself. This breakthrough merges fabrication-aware designed photonic phase plates with adaptive software-controlled wavefront correction, enabling precise, real-time light control without mechanical movement.
Building on the technological foundations of the H2020 DynAMic and WAVELENS projects, UNILENS will deliver and validate TRL 6 prototypes across three flagship modalities with the highest unmet needs: multiphoton microscopy (deeper, higher-contrast imaging in scattering tissue), structured illumination microscopy (SIM) (robust super-resolution via engineered disorder patterns), and super-resolution microscopy (phase-engineered depletion profiles for sub-diffraction imaging). Light-sheet microscopy, where the concept was first proven, will serve as a validation benchmark.
Beyond research applications, UNILENS has the potential to disrupt diagnostic microscopy, reducing reliance on destructive sample preparation and chemical stains. By enabling high-resolution imaging at depth, it offers a faster, more sustainable diagnostic pathway.
The project will deliver: (i) advanced photonic plates designed with inverse modelling (Wavesim), (ii) a universal SDK for adaptive control and modality switching, (iii) four fully integrated prototypes validated on biological models, and (iv) an exploitation roadmap driven by end-user engagement, IP protection, and regulatory alignment. By combining disruptive optics with a clear exploitation pathway, UNILENS positions Europe at the forefront of next-generation microscopy and diagnostic innovation.