Learning from nature: how correlated multimodal imaging enhances our understanding of light-biological surface interactions

During our talk we will deal with theoretical and practical models for reconstructing the optical properties of participating media by nano photonic tools. Our theory is based on a robust generalization of the diffusion theory; Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm; dipole-dipole approximation and other methods. On the practical side we use lasers, LEDs and microscopes. In our lab we deal with this difficulty by focusing on detection rather than imaging. We use methods which probe the material properties by means of the diffusion reflection profile, adding nano particles as contrast agent, the full scattering profile and its iso pathlength point or iterative phase multiple measurement reconstruction techniques. Furthermore, we use changes in optical parameters, such as fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence anisotropy to probe the biological surroundings. We are able to fabricate Gold nano particles (spheres and rods), organic nano particles as well as tissue like phantoms. The applications for these methods include super resolution, diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis, examination of different physiological parameters, visualizing enzyme activity and detecting contaminators in waters..