Accurate and efficient simulation of partially coherent light for biomedical imaging applications

Two photon imaging and other fluorescent imaging technologies are leading the charge to see deeper and more clearly into the human body, and in particular the brain. Together with coherence gated techniques such as optical coherence tomography, the demand has never been higher for fast and accurate computation of the propagation of partially coherent light. In this project, we propose to devise and experimentally validate a method for propagating partially coherent light, and to demonstrate its use in holographic systems at optical and terahertz frequencies. The research group has experience with numerical simulation of Fourier optical systems, and time-frequency methods.

The student will develop software and perform experiments to verify a time-frequency model of partial coherence. The outputs of this project will offer improved reconstruction algorithms for 3D microscopy applications, particularly in applications that make use of partially coherent light, such as optical coherence tomography and two-photon microscopy.

The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics. A masters degree in a relevant field would be advantagous.

Knowledge of: Signal processing, optics, MATLAB would be advantageous.