Photonics for bio-applications: see, move and fabricate with lasers

Abstract

Biophotonics is a combination of biology and photonics which harnesses light to study and interact with biomolecules, cells and tissues in biological systems. The continuous development of this inherently interdisciplinary field is expected to have an ever-growing impact on biomedical research and healthcare. This talk will introduce current challenges and methods in Biophotonics which relate to the research work carried out at the Vibrational Imaging Lab at KAUST.

Brief Biography

Carlo Liberale is an Assistant Professor of Bioscience (B) and affiliated with the Electrical Engineering Program (EE), and Principal Investigator of the Vibra Lab. Liberale's research interests are focused on developing and applying label-free chemical imaging techniques based on vibrational spectroscopy (Infrared and Raman micro-spectroscopy) and multi-photon processes (Coherent Raman Microscopy, SHG). One of the main aims of this research activity is to unveil specific bio-chemical signatures of cancer stem cells, with a particular focus on understanding the dysregulation of their lipid metabolism.

He is also interested in using high-resolution 3D printing based on Direct Laser Writing for the fabrication of novel micro-optics, towards the miniaturization of complex optical systems which realize important optical functions as beam shaping, beam deflection, optical tweezers, etc. This research activity takes advantage of an integrated approach that combines design, micro/nanofabrication, and optical techniques.