Sync.Bio.Optics

Faculty

Dr. Giovanni Tapang

Graduate Students

Wynn Dunn Improso, M.S.

Christian Valgomera, M.S.

Jamika Ann Roque

Kristen Joyce Cervantes

Patricia Pangilinan

Undergraduate Students

Andrea Nicole Castro

Mariau Beltran

Carl Terence Valdellon

Overview

Optics and Photonics

We develop and construct advanced microscope systems for rapid and non-invasive characterization of various systems ranging from semiconductor devices to biological systems. We are also interested in the application of recent advances in optical technology to various instrumentation research ventures. In particular, we manipulate the phase, amplitude, and polarization state of light, and use the generated three-dimensional fields for various applications in optical microscopy, ranging from multiple beam optical trapping, micro-fabrication via nonlinear photo-polymerization, complex field coupling to advanced optical waveguides coupling for fiber sensors, among others.

Synchronization

Interacting elements in various systems communicate and exhibit collective behavior for efficient functioning. Our group looks into the adjustment of the rhythms of natural and artificial systems due even if the interaction is weak or even below the detectable threshold. Current research thrusts of the group include noise induced pattern formation, spatial mode, time series analysis, particle tracking, transverse stability and synchronization of spatial modules in semiconductor lasers. Our group also looks into patterns and synchronization in historical records, literature and real signals.

Recent Publications

- WDG Improso, G Tapang and C Saloma, "Suppression of Zeroth-Order Diffraction in Phase-Only Spatial Light Modulator," Chapter 1, pp 1-30 in Optics, Photonics and Laser Technology 2017, Springer Series in Optical Sciences Volume 222, P. Ribeiro et al. (eds.), Springer Nature Switzerland AG (July 2019) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12692-6
- Paul Leonard Atchong Hilario, Mark Jayson Villangca, and Giovanni Tapang, Independent light fields generated using a phase-only spatial light modulator, Optics Letters 39(7), 2036-2039 (2014). [DOI:10.1364/OL.39.002036]

Josephine Jill T. Cabatbat, Jica P. Monsanto, and Giovanni A. Tapang, Preserved network metrics across translated texts, International Journal of Modern Physics C(available online Sept. 2013, [DOI:10.1142/S0129183113500927]).
Josephine Jill T Cabatbat and Giovanni A Tapang, Texting Styles and Information Change of SMS Text Messages in Filipino, International Journal of Modern Physics C24(2), 1350002 (2013). [DOI:10.1142/S0129183113500022].
Ranzivelle Marianne Roxas-Villanueva, Maelori Krista Nambatac, and Giovanni Tapang, Characterizing English poetic style using complex networks, International Journal of Modern Physics C 23(2), 1250009 (2012). [DOI:10.1142/S012918311250009X].
[BOOK CHAPTER] Percival Almoro, Wilson Garcia, and Caesar Saloma, Pulsed Full-Color Digital Holography with a Raman Shifter, In: Holography, Research and Technologies (Joseph Rosen, ed., 2011).
[CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS] Giovanni A. Tapang and Paul Leonard Atchong Hilario, Three-dimensional simulation of photopolymerization dynamics under broadband excitation, Frontiers in Optics (General Optical Design and Instrumentation I, FWS), San Jose, California United States (16-20 October 2011) . http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/FIO.2011.FWS6
[CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS] Mark Jayson Villangca, Paul Leonard Atchong Hilario, and Giovanni A. Tapang, Three-dimensional light modulation using a piecewise implementation of the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, Frontiers in Optics (Three-Dimensional Structure Design, Fabrication, and Nanopatterning III, FTuAA), San Jose, California United States (16-20 October 2011). http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/FIO.2011.FTuAA5.

Projects Initiated or On-Going

1. VISSER::SM- VISSER – Sensors and Modules

Project Leader: Dr. Giovanni Tapang

Collaborators: RD Gomez, RML Roxas-Villanueva, G Perez, I Su-Martinez, A Argayosa, R Lorenzo, N Altoveros

Funding: UP Emerging Interdisciplinary Research Cycle 2 2013-2015

Overview: The proposed project VISSER::SM (Versatile Instrument System for Science Education and Research – Sensors and Modules) addresses the lack of laboratory equipment and teaching modules in the Philippines and seeks to introduce low-cost and versatile research-grade laboratory equipment in our classrooms. VISSER::SM is a collaborative program with a very simple mission: “Put modern science labs at every school & college”. The project involves researchers from UP Diliman, UP Los Banos and Balik Scientist Prof. Romel Gomez of the University of Maryland. The goal is to design and develop at least 40 home-grown experimental modules based on a handheld microcontroller-based universal platform that can replace existing experiments as well as be the basis for new sophisticated laboratory setups.

Status: Project has finished prototype design and is preparing for pilot testing.

2. VISSER DOST Y2

Project Leader: Dr. Giovanni Tapang

Collaborators: RD Gomez, RML Roxas-Villanueva, G Perez, I Su-Martinez, A Argayosa, R Lorenzo, N Altoveros

Funding: Department of Science and Technology GIA 2012-2014

Overview: The Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER) project aims to have a system centered around a handled microcontroller-based universal platform. Using this as the "brain",, many different sensors can be connected to it and controlled to perform experiments in various science field. The transition from one experiment to another will be effortless that its is envisioned that the units can be used in several experiments on various topics in a single day. It will fully integrate the hardware and software and will supplement by well-written, highly descriptive manuals that will facilitate individual learning. The hardware consists of a multichannel data acquisition, plug and play analog and digital sensors that run on an Arduino microcontroller. The software includes data storage,, control,, user interface,, as well as analysis tools that will be developed using open source environments. The documentation will be highly descriptive manuals for the laboratory modules.

The overarching objective of this project is to develop instrumentation systems to enhance scientific pedagogy and research that can be deployed in all secondary and tertiary schools in the Philippines. The specific research objectives are as follows: 1. Develop the hardware component which consists of a hand-held multichannel data acquisition system and plug and play analog and digital sensors. 2. Develop the software which includes data storage, control, user interface, as well as analytical tools. 3. Develop high-quality laboratory manuals and instructional materials that integrate theory and real-world measurements. 4. Develop specific sets of laboratory experiments in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and engineering. 5. Develop enabling technologies with applications to natural disaster warning and mitigation. 6. Develop and produce highly-trained professionals in the area of science education, instrumentation design and information systems.

Status: Project has finished prototype design and is preparing for pilot testing.

3. Effect of broadband and monochromatic light sources on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells

Project Leader: Dr. Giovanni Tapang

Funding: OVCRD

Overview: We study the effects of broadband and monochromatic light sources on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae or yeast cells using an inverted microscope with different modes of illumination. We shall illuminate the sample with a 10 W white LED passed through a monochromator, a white LED without the monochromator, as well as different laser sources, with different optical powers, in pulsed and in continuous modes, for a period covering the average life cycle of a yeast cell. We shall study at what power will the yeast cell growth will be inhibited, or stimulated, as the case may be.

In the News

DR. SALOMA RECEIVES 2014 AWARD FOR CONTINUING EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE (ACES)

Dr. Caesar Saloma, former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and Senior Ph.D. Faculty of the Instrumentation Physics Laboratory (IPL), received the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) during the conferment ceremony held last January 29 at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City.