High-resolution, ultra-compact 3D imaging for healthcare and robotics

A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the Centre for Engineering Photonics in the area of 3D imaging.

This project will investigate a radically new approach to 3D imaging that is tailored to the use of cost-effective laser sources with compact, optical fibre-coupled sensor heads. The approach has the potential to find widespread use across many areas of healthcare and robotics, where there is a growing need for improved situational awareness through multi-perspective, high-quality 3D image data from vision systems directly integrated into structures such as robot arms or grippers. 

3D imaging is a rapidly developing area with notable commercial interest, providing situational awareness that is key to advancing autonomous technologies. Particularly for near-range (<1m) applications in robotics and healthcare, high-resolution (<<0.01mm) and ultra-compact 3D imaging systems are required for the advancement of many existing and emerging applications, where current approaches are often bulky, prohibiting widespread uptake and local integration into structural elements, such as robotic arms. 

Project Aim

This project aims to demonstrate interferometric 3D imaging for robotics and healthcare using ultra-compact, remote measurement heads. There are two key challenges to this project:

1. The miniaturisation of the sensor head by delivering and receiving the laser light through optical fibres and the use of ultra-compact MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) laser scanners
2. The use of very widely tunable lasers, such as VCSELs (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers), permitting very high resolution distance measurements that are essential for high-fidelity object recognition.

Additionally, interfacing with electronic signal processing hardware and visualising the acquired 3D data are important aspects of this project. Further, it is anticipated that the VCSEL lasers will find additional applications in the areas of optical fibre sensing and high-resolution sensor technology that are also investigated within the Centre for Engineering Photonics. 

Cranfield Overview and Sponsor Background

This project is part of a wider research effort (involving several fellow PhD students) to apply the range-resolved interferometry (RRI) approach to multiple applications such as fibre-optic sensing, 3D imaging and precision interferometry, and it is associated with the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship “Doppler-Enhanced Lidar System Using Range-Resolved Interferometry” held by the primary supervisor. The Centre for Engineering Photonics at Cranfield is an internationally leading centre for optical sensing and instrumentation research to tackle challenging measurement problems. The Centre’s broad research portfolio includes fibre-optic sensors, optical flow measurement instrumentation, speckle interferometry, spectroscopic gas detection and medical imaging. We occupy a modern suite of optics laboratories with excellent technician support. Many of our students complete a PhD following a period (or even a career) in industry and we welcome the additional experience that this brings. 

Expected impact of research project

The demonstration and characterisation of an ultra-compact, fibre-coupled 3D imaging system providing, for example, local, high-resolution 3D vision integrated into a robotic gripper to allow precise and adaptable object handling, would be a major impact of the project. Further applications in healthcare and robotics can also be explored as part of this project and would provide the student with opportunities to apply their gained knowledge in practical applications and make valuable contacts with academic/industrial partners. 

This project offers the chance to make a contribution at the forefront of 3D imaging, taking a scientific approach still at an early stage of its development and thus allowing the student to contribute significantly to solve the real-world engineering problems. 

What will you gain from this experience?

This project will allow the development of expertise in optical system design and electronic signal processing and therefore provides the student with a valuable combination of skills that is highly sought-after in industry and academia. PhD-level research in measurement science will also improve general skills in analytical thinking, attention to detail and will foster the ability for concise technical communication. Full training will be provided in photonics techniques and electronic signal processing.