Overview

Our research spans multiple domains of advanced optical and acoustic imaging with a strong focus on quantitative, label-free microscopy for biological and material science applications. A central theme of our work is the development of common-path interferometric techniques, particularly Optical Diffraction Tomography (ODT) and Quantitative Phase Microscopy (QPM), which provide high temporal stability and robustness against environmental noise while enabling three-dimensional reconstruction of the refractive index distribution of complex samples such as tissues and organoids. To further improve phase sensitivity and suppress coherent noise, we investigate dynamic speckle and low-coherence illumination strategies, allowing more accurate visualization of weakly scattering and heterogeneous specimens. Our work on white-light and low-coherence interference microscopy, including Mirau interferometry, enables precise surface profiling and volumetric imaging with enhanced axial resolution and reduced speckle artifacts.

In parallel, we explore integrated photonic platforms such as chip-based fluorescence optical nanoscopy to create compact and scalable imaging systems capable of super-resolution measurements. We also integrate optical waveguide trapping with quantitative phase microscopy to simultaneously manipulate and image single cells and micro-objects, opening new possibilities for real-time biophysical measurements in microfluidic environments.

To extend the analytical power of our imaging platforms, we incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning for image reconstruction, segmentation, and quantitative interpretation, with applications in cell characterization, tissue analysis, and disease-related morphological studies. Beyond purely optical methods, our research also includes scanning acoustic microscopy and photoacoustic microscopy, which provide complementary mechanical and functional contrast for non-invasive investigation of biological tissues and materials.

Together, these research directions aim to advance next-generation microscopy and tomography technologies that are stable, quantitative, and label-free, enabling new insights into complex biological systems and supporting a broad range of biomedical and interdisciplinary applications.