Biomedical Computational Laser Systems

Engineering Solutions for Biomedicine

Optogenetic stimulation platform consisting of an inverted microscope body and custom adapticve stimulation optics

A platform for the stimulation of genetically light-sensitized cell cultures and tissues with variable resolution and field of view ranging from cellular level to centimeters.

Adaptive Optical Elements for Microscopy

Development of Systems with novel adaptive optical components like adaptive lenses and adaptive prisms for fast and flexible 3d scanning in confocal microscopy.

Computational Microscopy

We offer light phase measurements using holographic and intensity-based methods. Further, we develop real-time capable image processing based on hardware solutions (e.g. FPGA) as well as machine learning and deep learning.

Lensless holographic endoscopy

We develop methods for minimally invasive lensless endoscopy systems based on coherent fiber bundles for imaging in confined. Our systems offer advanced modalities like volumetric imaging, holographic imaging but also manipulation of light at the distal fiber end for cell manipulation or3d printing.

Brillouin Microscopy

We develop and improve a system for impulsively stimulated Brillouin microscopy for the non-contact, markerless, 3d in-vivo probing of mechanical properties such as elasticity with high spatial temporal resolution.

Deep tissue

We develop methods and systems for imaging through scattering media using digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) and pixelated adaptive optical elements like spatial light modulators.

Hybrid illumination microscopy

Widefield microscopy with enhanced depth resolution by sample illumination with both high and low spatial frequencies. This reduces the need for lateral scanning; samples need to be scanned only axially.

Biomedical Computational Laser Systems

There is a growing demand for digital laser systems for applications in the life sciences. A Cambrian explosion of interactive technologies is taking place with smart petabyte microscopes, state space control of programmable optics and deep learning. The vision and mission of the Competence Center is to make sustainable contributions to the elucidation of diseases, their prevention and gentle therapies by means of customized solutions from systems engineering.

The BIOLAS competence centre aims to systematically investigate new methodological approaches from an engineering perspective using new algorithms from information systems technology and new electro-optical components from physics, to develop technologies and to achieve their transfer into applications. The profile lines of the TU Dresden "Health Sciences, Biomedicine and Bioengineering" and "Information Technologies and Microelectronics" are addressed. Cooperations with the DRESDEN-concept e. V. with university partners (Biotec, CRTD, B Cube, several faculties, etc.) and non-university partners (DZNE, HZDR, MPI-CBG, Leibniz IFW, Fraunhofer IPMS, etc.) as well as especially the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life (PoL) are to be expanded.

Within a Reinhart-Koselleck-Project of the DFG (2014-2019) paradigm shifts for adaptive-optical system techniques have been achieved, which are to be consolidated with the competence centre. Competencies in adaptive microscopy into deep tissue layers of the brain, the five-dimensional holographic stimulation of cell networks in optogenetics (human brain organoids from stem cells) and the development of needle-thin, lensless endoscopes for gentle examinations will be bundled in the centre.

Digital laser systems for biomedicine require know-how from electrical engineering and information technology, such as FPGA-based measurement and control techniques for adaptive optics. Machine learning will enable smart, interactive microscopes. The competence centre is intended to build a bridge between basic research in engineering science on the one hand and the use by users such as biologists and physicians on the other, so that these users can benefit from developments in electrical engineering and information technology at an early stage (interface research). The competence centre BIOLAS will extend the portfolio of biomedical engineering at the research location Dresden by tailor-made engineering solutions from electrical engineering and information technology in an internationally visible way.