MSc by Research: 1 year full time or 2 years part time.
Supervisor: Dr Michael Hughes
We have recently developed a new low-cost medical imaging device capable of high-resolution imaging of superficial tissue. The technology is based on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), but uses a much simpler and lower-cost architecture than conventional OCT systems.
This could enable optical imaging in settings where current OCT systems are too expensive or impractical, potentially extending access to advanced diagnostic imaging to a much wider population such as in community and dental clinics or in developing countries.
There are several MSc-level projects related to this work, all focused on translational activities, i.e. developing the device towards real-world applications. This can include conducting clinical pilot studies, optimisation of the optical design, or development of novel algorithms to improve the image reconstruction accuracy (including machine learning). This is an exciting opportunity for a well-motivated student to be involved in the early stages of development.
Due to potential intellectual property rights, further details are not available here, but please contact m.r.hughes@kent.ac.uk if you would like to discuss a project in this area.
Completion of the research project will lead to submission of a thesis for examination for award of the MSc degree. There are no written examinations, but AOG members deliver lectures in areas of biomedical optics and medical physics which MSc students may attend, in addition to a programme of seminars by internal and external speakers.
This project is suitable for a 1-year MSc in Physics and is suitable for students with backgrounds in physics, engineering, maths, computing and related disciplines. The project does not currently have funding attached, students must be able to fund the fees and their living costs by applying for a suitable scholarship, see https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate, or through some another source of funds. Current information on fees is available here.
There is no deadline for the project – applicants will be assessed on a rolling basis – although please note any separate deadlines for scholarships or funding. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Michael Hughes (m.r.hughes@kent.ac.uk) for informal discussion before applying.
About the Applied Optics Group
The Applied Optics Group (AOG) is an internationally-recognised research group comprising five academic staff alongside a friendly and vibrant community of postdoctoral and postgraduate students. The group develops innovative optical imaging and sensing technologies with applications across healthcare and industry.
Housed within the Photonics Centre, the AOG benefits from facilities including 10 dedicated optical laboratories, a clean-air room, electrical-mechanical workshop with 3D printing, and extensive resources for the design and prototyping of optical systems and devices. The group works closely with clinical and industrial partners to translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications, and has attracted multi-million-pound investment from UK and European funding bodies in recent years.
The AOG is part of the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus. Set within 300 acres of parkland overlooking the historic city of Canterbury, just a short walk or bus ride away, the campus offers an inspiring environment for study and research. Students benefit from excellent social and sporting amenities, and a welcoming international community, all within easy reach of London and the Kent coastline.