Research Affiliate
Area:
Phone:
(608) 316-4677
Email:
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My research focuses on Applied Computational Optics and Imaging. Creating and analyzing an image from electromagnetic waves involves both data collection and processing. In all imaging systems these tasks are inseparably interconnected. Both the process of image formation, and the analysis of images can be performed optically, digitally or using a combination of both. I develop integrated cyber-physical imaging systems combining illumination, data collection, image formation, and image processing into one integrated unit. This allows us to build imaging systems that detect specific application relevant information in the huge amount of accessible optical data with the best possible signal to noise ratio. My work spans research in photonic devices, optical systems engineering, optimization, computer vision, and biomedical applications. Through their greater flexibility, Computational Imaging systems can access information that is not accessible through traditional imaging methods. In particular, I am developing methods to detect morphological changes in the extracellular matrix that accompany breast cancer progression. Tracking such changes will enable non-invasive early cancer detection, will help improve our understanding of cancer onset and metastasis, and accelerate the development of a cure. I also develop remote sensing and biomedical imaging technologies that are based on non-traditional time-of-flight based image formation methods. Being able to create images from multiply reflected indirect light, these systems can see around corners and into inaccessible spaces. This makes it possible to locate and diagnose individuals in disaster areas and to image the inside of lunar caves. It also has applications in endoscopy and robotic surgery.
Areas of Expertise
- Computational Optics
- Lasers, Ultrafast Optics and Nonlinear Optics
- Microscopy
Honors
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Innovation Watchlist 2013, with Ramesh Raskar for CORNAR Camera
- MIT Technology Review TR35 2012: The TR35 is an annual list published by MIT’s Technology Review
magazine in collaboration with a panel of experts, naming the world’s top 35 innovators under the age of 35 - Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award 2012, with Ramesh Raskar for CORNAR Camera
- Dissertation Distinction, 2009