ADELAIDE: A team of international researchers, led by the University of Adelaide, has developed an innovative approach to advanced microscopy using an optical fibre thinner than a human hair. This groundbreaking technology enables the creation of high-resolution images from previously inaccessible areas of the human body, while significantly minimizing tissue damage.
“Recent advances in optics have allowed light to be controllably delivered through extremely thin optical fibres, but creating the complex light patterns needed for advanced microscopy remained a challenge—until now,” explained Dr. Ralf Mouthaan from the University of Adelaide’s Centre of Light for Life, who spearheaded the project.
A new frontier in microscopy
As the size of optical fibres approaches the width of a human hair, the transmitted light becomes distorted, producing a seemingly random granular pattern. While new methods have partially corrected this distortion, they fell short for techniques requiring precise light patterns, such as super-resolution or wide-field microscopy.
The research team has now demonstrated the ability to pre-shape light, overcoming distortions and enabling the projection of intricate optical patterns. Their breakthrough is outlined in a paper published in Advanced Optical Materials.
“This approach provides unprecedented control over the amplitude, phase, and polarization of the light beam, making it possible to project exotic patterns like Bessel beams, Airy beams, and Laguerre-Gaussian beams—all of which are vital for modern microscopy,” Dr. Mouthaan noted.
Applications and future prospects
The new technique is poised to revolutionize advanced microscopy methods such as:
Light sheet microscopy, which builds volumetric images by imaging one plane at a time.
Stimulated emission-depletion (STED) microscopy, capable of imaging nanostructures as small as one-billionth of a metre in diameter.
“With a far smaller footprint than any existing fibre imaging device, this technology allows images to be captured from within the human body,” said Dr. Mouthaan. “It’s a step towards miniaturizing microscopes to the point where lab-sized equipment can be replaced by fibre-based endomicroscopes.”
The team is now working on proof-of-concept "endomicroscopes" at the University of Adelaide, while collaborators at the University of Nottingham develop clinical-ready endoscopic devices.
International collaboration
This research highlights a robust international partnership, involving experts from:
- University of Adelaide (Australia): Led by Professor Kishan Dholakia, Director of the Centre of Light for Life.
- University of Nottingham (UK): Contributions from Dr. Peter Christopher and Dr. George Gordon.
- University of Cambridge (UK): Expertise from Professor Tim Wilkinson and Professor Tijmen Euser.
The project was funded by the Australian Research Council and the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
Toward a future of compact microscopy
“Many advanced microscopes currently occupy entire laboratories. Our work is a major step toward miniaturizing these devices, allowing microscope images to be captured within the human body,” said Dr. Mouthaan.
The researchers are optimistic about the potential applications, with almost limitless possibilities for projecting tailored optical patterns through the fibre. As a lighthearted example, Dr. Mouthaan quipped, “We can even project the new university logo!”
This revolutionary technology could transform clinical diagnostics and research, opening new avenues for minimally invasive medical imaging.