Resume

Manoj Kumar Sharma

872-806-8068 manojsharma.iitd@gmail.com manoj.sharma@alcon.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Over a decade of experience in optical system design, optical engineering, computational imaging, Fourier optics, and image sensing. Creative problem-solver who can bring together classical optics engineering techniques with modern computational approaches to realize novel solutions. Meticulous and detail-oriented experimentalist with a proven track record of successful execution in multiple projects. Meticulous and skilled Researcher enthusiastic about supporting advancements in optics and computational imaging. Passionate about increasing knowledge to drive growth and needed improvements. Ready to apply knowledge and 6 years of experience in research. Adaptive team player with a can-do spirit ready to solve imaging, optics, and sensing problems.

SKILLS

Expert knowledge and immense experience in optical system design and experimental realization in optical imaging and image data analysis.

Expert understanding of Fourier optics, holography, computational imaging, microscopy, Fourier ptychography, wavefront sensing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), phase retrieval, and various other optical imaging techniques.

Good MATLAB programming skills.

Knowledge of ZEMAX for optical system design.

Strong motivation, attention to detail and ability to think independently and fully integrate into a team environment with the ability to work with a wide variety of personalities.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (2014)

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India

Thesis title: Optical image processing using phase singularities

Advisors: Dr. Paramasivam Senthilkumaran, Dr. Joby Joseph

Master of Science in Physics, Aligarh Muslim University (2003)

Bachelor of Science in Physics, Chemistry, Math’s, B. R. Ambedkar University Agra (2001)

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Manager, optics and methods (2025 - Present)

Alcon Research

Researcher (2022-2024)

general Motors Research and Development

Connected zvehicle Research lab

Research Scientist (2017-2021)

ECE Department, Rice University

Advisor: Dr. Ashok Veeraraghavan

Postdoctoral Scholar (2015-2017)

EECS Department, Northwestern University

Advisor: Dr. Oliver Cossairt

Postdoctoral Associate (2014-2015)

College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona

Advisor: Dr. Amit Ashok and Dr. Mark Neifeld

Visiting Researcher (2012 )

Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

Collaborator: Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Wavefront Sensing

Wavefront sensing is a technique for measuring the phase distribution of the optical wavefront. However, existing wavefront sensors suffer from a fundamental tradeoff between spatial resolution and phase estimation and consequently can only achieve a resolution of a few thousand pixels. Exploiting the advances in hardware and computation, we have designed the world’s highest resolution wavefront sensor, which can measure highly varying optical fields at more than 10-megapixel resolution with fine phase estimation [J2, P2]. I believe that the development of a compact, lightweight, inexpensive high-resolution, real-time wavefront sensor will radically transform imaging capabilities over a variety of application domains and this will be a principal goal of my research.

Sub-diffraction Imaging

The resolving power of an imaging system is limited by its finite size, and increasing size is a non-trivial task as with size, the weight and cost scale intensely. We have recently shown that using computation and an array of small apertures a powerful imaging system can be designed [J3] with capabilities to produce sub-diffraction limited images of optically rough objects from large standoff distances [J4, P2]. Compact, portable telescopes that allow sub-diffraction imaging at long stand-off distances has the potential to revolutionize remote sensing, surveillance and many DOD applications and I will continue to push the frontiers in this research area.

Scattering Challenges in Imaging

Scattering imposes the biggest challenge to various imaging modalities from medical imaging to surveillance and many others. Learning transmission matrix (TM) of an arbitrarily thick medium enables imaging through it; however, it is a cumbersome process. We have recently proposed a new phase retrieval algorithm, which is orders of magnitude faster than existing algorithms [J1, C1]. Transmission matrices (TM) are shown as a powerful tool to image through static multiple scattering media, however, learning a medium’s TM is a cumbersome task and requires a lot of efforts in experiments as well as in computation. I want to take on both problems to measure a TM efficiently exploiting properties of the medium, advances in computational algorithms and by using advanced time of flight detectors.

Compressive Sensing in Imaging

All optical systems are limited by their space bandwidth product. Compressive sensing (CS) provides alternate ways of exploring sparsity to go beyond the space-bandwidth limit. We have recently solved the high-dynamic-range problem in coherent diffraction imaging (CDI), and Fourier transform holography (FTH) using compressive sensing, given that the object is sparse in a known basis, a characteristic property of most natural and human made signals [J5]. As the imaging frontier is moving towards acquisition of multidimensional visual signals such as light-fields, and hyperspectral images the space-bandwidth challenge is set to become ever more acute: and I believe that compressive imaging provides tremendous opportunities for tackling this emerging challenge.

Machine Learning

Over the last decade, machine learning has altered the landscape of many domains, including computer vision, autonomous cars, natural language processing and even board games such as chess and go. I believe that these revolutionary advances in machine learning have the potential to radically transform imaging: allowing us to break-free of many limitations of current techniques. With this in mind, I have begun educating myself about machine learning and have identified several potential opportunities where machine learning techniques can impact imaging system design. These include several inverse imaging methods such as diffuse optical tomography, inverse scattering, Fourier Ptychography among many others. My lab will make this research area a priority and will develop a systematic design process for incorporating machine learning techniques within optical system design.

MENTORING EXPERIENCE

Postdoc Mentor

ECE Department, Rice University (2017-2019)

· Currently working with June Chen, a Ph.D. student and teaching her about computational imaging techniques for imaging through scattering media.

· Previously worked with Yicheng Wu, another Ph.D. student, and taught him working with optics setups and spatial light modulators.

Graduate Mentor (2013)

Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

· Mentored one MTech. (Applied Optics) student, Ram Kishor Singh, in studying the Fourier spectrum of spiral zone plates

· Helped in deriving mathematical analysis and in performing experiments and in preparation and presentation of research finding.

Graduate Mentor (2012)

Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

· Mentored one MTech. (Applied Optics) student, Srinivas Sidhireddy, in studying spiral angular momentum carrying beams

· Provided guidance in performing experiments and in preparation and presentation of research finding.

GRANT PROPOSALS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

The Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (PATHS-UP):

The PATHS-UP Engineering Research Center (ERC) was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2017. The specific vision of our PATHS-UP ERC is to change the paradigm for the health of underserved populations by developing revolutionary and cost-effective technologies and systems at the point-of-care. The initial PATHS-UP technologies and systems are designed to help with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality world-wide. Our lab (headed by my mentor PI Veeraraghavan) is developing wearable and point-of-care optical imaging devices for sensing biomarkers such as perfusion, blood glucose, blood pressure. I handle the technical project management responsibilities for our lab within this ERC.

Multidisciplinary University Research Initiatives (MURI) Program:

Rice is heading an Office of Naval Research funded MURI on nanomaterials. Within this MURI effort, our lab (headed by my mentor PI Veeraraghavan) is developing novel techniques for adversarial imaging and optical communication through scattering media. I have been the technical lead, project management lead and the proposal development lead for our lab’s efforts within this MURI.

Revolutionary Enhancement of Visibility by Exploiting Active Light-fields (REVEAL):

This DARPA funded REVEAL program aims to develop light-based non line of sight (NLOS) imaging capabilities.

Our lab (headed by my mentor PI Veeraraghavan) plays an integral role in this program and are leading the efforts that involve exploiting time of flight information for NLOS imaging. I have been the lead project management and lead demonstration coordinator for our lab within this DARPA-funded program.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU):

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. As a part of our labs multiple NSF grants, I have led the proposal development efforts to request and obtain funding for several undergraduate researchers in our lab. Once in the lab, the undergraduates work with graduate students on a variety of research projects that best meet their technical expertise and project needs.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Co-instructor (Upcoming course- Fall-2019)

ECE Department, Rice University

· Computational Imaging

Co-instructor (Fall-2018)

ECE Department, Rice University

· Optical Techniques to image through scattering media

Teaching Assistant, Optics lab (2010-2013)

Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

· Taught B. Tech. students about various experimental designs and understanding the physical interpretation of the outcome.

HONORS AND AWARDS

JRF-fellowship for Ph.D., CSIR, January 2009-December 2010

SRF-fellowship for Ph.D., CSIR, January 2011-December 2013

Best paper award (Honorable mention) ICCP 2017

PATENTS

Granted:

1. K.B. Khare, Manoj Kumar Sharma, P. Senthilkumaran, Non-interferometric phase measurement, US Patent 20, 150,346,027, 2018.

2. Y.Wu., Manoj Kumar Sharma, A. Veeraraghavan, WISH: Wavefront imaging and sensing with high resolution, US Patent App. 16/863,621.

3. O. Cossairt, Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Holloway, Y. Wu, A. Veeraraghavan, Synthetic apertures for long-range, sub-diffraction limited visible imaging using Fourier ptychography, US Patent 10,694,123.

PUBLICATIONS

Journal Papers

1. Manoj Kumar Sharma, C. Metzler, S. Nagesh, O. Cossairt, R. Baraniuk, A. Veeraraghavan, Inverse scattering using transmission matrices: broadband illumination and fast phase retrieval algorithms, IEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging, vol 5, 1-14, 2019.

2. Y.Wu., Manoj Kumar Sharma, A. Veeraraghavan, WISH: Wavefront imaging and sensing with high resolution, Nature Light: Science and Applications, vol 8, 44-53, 2019.

3. J. Holloway, Y. Wu, Manoj Kumar Sharma, O. Cossairt, and A. Veeraraghavan, SAVI: Synthetic apertures for long-range, sub-diffraction limited visible imaging using Fourier ptychography, Science Advances, vol. 3, e1602564, 2017.

4. J. Holloway, M. S. Asif, Manoj Kumar Sharma, N. Matsuda, R. Horstmeyer, O. Cossairt, and A. Veeraraghavan, Toward long distance, sub-diffraction imaging using coherent camera arrays, IEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging, vol. 2, 251–265, 2016.

5. K. He, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Oliver Cossairt, High dynamic range coherent imaging using compressed sensing, Optics Express, vol 23, 30904-30916, 2015.

6. Manoj Kumar Sharma, C. Gaur, K. Khare and P. Senthilkumaran, Phase imaging using spiral phase diversity, Applied Optics, vol 54, 3979-3985, 2015.

7. Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Fractional vortex dipole phase filter, Applied Physics B, vol 117, 325-332 ,2014.

8. Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Joseph, P. Senthilkumaran, Directional edge enhancement using superposed vortex filter, Optics & Laser Technology, vol 57, 230–235, 2014.

9. Vinu R.V, Manoj Kumar Sharma, R. K. Singh, and P. Senthilkumaran, Generation of spatial coherence comb using Dammann grating, Optics Letters, vol. 39, 2407-2410, 2014.

10. R. Verma, Manoj Kumar Sharma, P. Senthilkumaran, Analysis of fibonacci gratings and their diffraction patterns, V. Banerjee, Journal of Optical Society of America A, vol. 31, 1471-1480, 2014.

11. Manoj Kumar Sharma, R. K. Singh, J. Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Optical transfer function of an optical system with spiral zone plates in presence of primary aberrations, Optics and Lasers in Engineering, vol 57, 48-52, 2014.

12. Manoj Kumar Sharma, R.K. Singh, J. Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Fourier spectrum analysis of spiral zone plates, Optics Communications, vol 304, 43-48, 2013.

13. R. Verma, Manoj Kumar Sharma, V. Banerjee and P. Senthilkumaran, Robustness in cantor diffractals, Optics Express, vol 21, 7951-7956, 2013.

14. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Joby Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Selective edge enhancement using shifted anisotropic vortex filter, Journal of Optics, vol 42, 1-7, 2013.

15. Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Effect of aberrations in vortex spatial filtering, Optics and Lasers in Engineering, vol 50, 1501-1507, 2012.

16. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Joby Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Selective edge enhancement using anisotropic vortex filter, Applied Optics, vol 50, 5279-5286, 2011.

Conference Papers

1. Y. Chen, Manoj Kumar Sharma, A. Sabharwal, A. Veeraraghavan, A. Sankarnarayanan, 3PointTM: Fast Measurement of High-dimensional Transmission Matrices, ECCV, 12353, 301-326, 2020.

2. Manoj Kumar Sharma, C. Metzler, S. Nagesh, R. Baraniuk, O. Cossairt, A. Veeraraghavan, Coherent inverse scattering via transmission matrices: Efficient phase retrieval algorithm and a public dataset, International Conference on Computational Photography (ICCP) 2017.

(Best Paper Honorable Mention).

3. O. Cossairt, K. He, R. Shang, N. Matsuda, Manoj Kumar Sharma, X. Huang, A. Katsaggelos, L. Spinoulas, S. Yoo, Compressive reconstruction for 3D incoherent holographic microscopy, International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP) 2016.

4. Vinu R.V, Manoj Kumar Sharma, R. K. Singh, and P. Senthilkumaran, Generation of off-axis intensity maximum in transverse spatial correlation, International Conference on Optics & Opto-electronics (ICOL), 2014.

5. Vinu R.V, Manoj Kumar Sharma, R. K. Singh, and P. Senthilkumaran, Writing Dammann grating in laser beam using SLM, Workshop on Recent Advances in Photonics (WRAP), 2013.

6. Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Joseph, P. Senthilkumaran, Composite Vortex Filters, Workshop on Recent Advances in Photonics (WRAP), 2013.

7. Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Fractional Vortex Dipole spatial filtering, Fringe 2013.

8. Manoj Kumar Sharma, R. K. Singh, J. Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Optical transfer function of an optical system with spiral zone filters, National Symposium of Optical Society of India, 2013.

9. B. K. Singh, Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Joseph, D. S. Mehta and P. Senthilkumaran, Generation of reshaped hollow Gaussian beam, National Symposium of Optical Society of India, 2011.

10. Manoj Kumar Sharma, J. Joseph and P. Senthilkumaran, Selective edge enhancement using shifted anisotropic vortex filter, National Symposium of Optical Society of India, 2011.

11. S. Vyas, Manoj Kumar Sharma, B. K. Singh, D.P Ghai, Joby Joseph, D.S. Mehta and P. Senthilkumaran, Vortex creation from non-linear phase ramps, International conference on fiber optics and photonics, 2010.