Biomedical Laser Systems and Optogenetics

The lecture is given in English.

Biomedical systems engineering is a multidisciplinary field of engineering that has a direct impact on human well-being. The aim of the course “Biomedical Laser Systems and Optogenetics” is to discuss laser-optical methods and systems for the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases.

Optogenetics combines methods from optics and genetics. It explores, in real time, how holographic laser techniques can be used to control genetically modified cells. Adaptive microscopy using deep neural networks enables 3D imaging deep within tissue layers. Furthermore, the lecture covers Brillouin microscopy for contactless sensing with light for cancer diagnosis, as well as needle-thin, lensless fiber endoscopes for gentle diagnostic examinations and therapeutic stimulation.

“Biomedical Laser Systems and Optogenetics” is part of the following modules:

• "Computational Laser Systems" EuI-ET/MT/IST/NES-E-ComLS; CMS-TRK-CLS
• "Specialization in Medical Sensors and Actuators – Advanced" BMT
• "Computational Laser Metrology" INF-25-Ma-NSP-CLM-ANW
• "Extended/Advanced Biophysics" CMCB-Ma-E2; CMCB-Ma-Pol10

Lecture Winter Semester 26/27

Start Date: October 15, 2026
Please register in Opal

Topics

• Modeling Light and Simulating Light Propagation (Ray & Wave Optics)
• Imaging Systems (Lenses, PSF, Aberrations, Resolution Limit)
• Wavefront measurement (holography, image-based methods, neural networks)
• Wavefront manipulation (programmable optics)
• Light-Matter Interaction (Absorption, Scattering, Fluorescence)
• Advanced microscopy (PSF engineering, light sheet, scatter plate/diffuser, nonlinear)
• Endoscopy (borescopes, camera-on-tip, single-mode fiber-based)
• Optical fibers
• Advanced Fiber Endoscopes I (holographic endoscopes)
• Advanced Fiber Endoscopes II (Neural Network-based Endoscopes)
• Cell Tomography (tomographic reconstruction, optical traps)
• Optogenetics
• Brillouin spectroscopy and microscopy

Exam

Oral exam. The exam may be taken in English or German.