Improving biological imaging with advanced optical techniques
Official title: BROADBAND FOCUSING FOR EXTREME MULTIMODAL MICROSCOPY
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10869930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to take clearer pictures of cells in the body using special lenses that don’t rely on traditional glass, which could help doctors see and understand health issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $145,448 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034084-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that require advanced imaging techniques for better diagnosis or treatment monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require advanced imaging or those with conditions that can be adequately diagnosed with existing imaging technologies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing optical microscopy for biological imaging by developing new techniques that overcome the limitations of traditional refractive lenses. It aims to create all-reflective lenses that can operate across a broader spectral range, including mid-infrared light, which is crucial for advanced imaging methods. By addressing issues like chromatic aberrations and group delay dispersion, the project seeks to improve the quality and efficiency of imaging biological tissues at a cellular level. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic tools that provide clearer images of biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and detailed imaging techniques that enhance the diagnosis and understanding of various biological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using all-reflective lenses is innovative, similar advancements in optical imaging have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Potma, Eric Olaf — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Potma, Eric Olaf
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.