This project area is suitable for a 3-year PhD in physics. 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.
Photo-acoustic tomography (PAT) is a hot topic in the biomedical imaging field. It can offer not only structural but also functional information of biological tissues with excellent resolution and high contrast. This is possibly by listening to the sound produced when a laser pulse interacts with the absorbing tissue. PAT techniques can be applied to the early detection of cancer or examining vascular and skin diseases. The proposed project aims to develop unique multi-modality multi-spectral medical imaging tools able to simultaneously produce PAT and Optical Coherence Tomography images. The project will involve the student in research activities such as:
- Design and implementation of a multi-modality imaging instrument having at their core the PAT technology. The multi-spectral capability will be ensured by the use of a supercontinuum optical source. The student will develop imaging devices in such a way that the instruments can easily be used in clinical environments (eventually equipping the instruments with a handheld probe).
- Design and implementation of a hypodermic needle probe for even deeper penetration. The needle will be used within other imaging instruments such as fluorescence or/and polarisation sensitive imaging devices to prove that the mapping of the mechanical properties is accurately done.
- Signal and Image processing to estimate the elastic properties of phantoms and biological tissues.
The research activities involved in this project will happen at the boundaries of several disciplines such as: optics, mechanical systems, imaging, material science, software, medical devices, clinical medicine, etc., hence a fantastic opportunity for the student to gain valuable transferable skills. However, it is not a prerequisite for the student to be experienced in these fields to undertake the project as he/she will be given the opportunity to learn these skills during the project. The student will embark on highly innovative ideas with high impact potential on the way in which PAT and other optical based methods can be used in intraoperative assessments of various diseases and will be familiarised with the culture of translation of technology from lab to the clinic, that entails interdisciplinary education delivered in interaction with clinicians. This will prepare the student for the growing market of Medical Physics that entails more and more sophisticated equipment.
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 Adrian Bradu for informal discussions before applying.
More Information
MSc/PhD Study in the Applied Optics Group