UCI Core Optical Laboratory Resource
Abstract
Optical technologies provide minimally- and non-invasive in vivo functional imaging, multiscale diagnostics, image-guided therapy, and laser surgery from sub-cellular to organ spatial scales. Since its founding in 1986, the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic (BLIMC) has served as a premier interdisciplinary research institute for optics and photonics in biology and medicine. Research groups within BLIMC continuously develop new optical technologies and methodologies that are then applied solve biological and biomedical problems. Often, the latest technologies build upon the work of previous system designs, resulting in refined designs with tremendous capabilities but at the cost of increased complexity. Hence, the latest technologies in the laboratory are not conducive to the hands-on training of newer scientists and engineers. This mismatch leads to a widening gap in our general capabilities to educate our trainees in key foundational and applied concepts in optics and photonics. As a result, we propose addressing this gap by establishing a UCI Core Optical Laboratory Resource (COLR). With the COLR, we will train the next generation of scientists and engineers to develop skills in building basic and applied optical systems and observing, measuring, and interpreting fundamental optical phenomena. The DoD Research and Education Program for HBCUs/MIs is an ideal and timely mechanism to enhance our capabilities to attract and train the next generation of scientists and engineers in technologies relevant to DoD research areas of interest. The UCI COLR will have dedicated space and instrumentation to allow trainees to learn and explore core principles associated with multiple optics concepts and how specific optical imaging systems work. Hands-on training in optics and photonics is a significant bottleneck in the education of our students and researchers. To date, such training is available only in the laboratories of individual faculty members, which leads to inconsistent and lab-specific training on optical concepts. Instead, the CORL will enable a robust and broad education in fundamental optical principles. Acquisition of the specified instrumentation will augment our capabilities to pursue research in areas of interest to DoD. BLIMC has a long-standing research center funded by the AFOSR to develop advanced optical technologies for defense trauma and critical care. The equipment we propose purchasing for the resource is intentionally synchronized with the foundational optical measurements associated with these individual projects. Acquisition of the specified equipment/instrumentation will augment our ability to attract students to pursue studies leading to STEM careers. Trainees at UCI will benefit significantly from the equipment that comprises the proposed resource. Lab-based coursework in multiple departments will provide trainees with opportunities to develop optical system design and data acquisition skills. In addition, general optics/photonics courses and specialty courses in specific imaging approaches will be created that rely heavily on the UCI CORL instrumentation. Topics of interest include laser fundamentals, imaging system design, and understanding health disparities associated with optical measurements. We also will develop both formal and informal workshops and boot camps that can be offered during the summer. For example, our multi-year partnerships with HBCU and local minorityservice community college programs will allow for the training of ~30 summer students. During these visits, we will use the CORL to strengthen the hands-on training and engagement of the summer students in optics and photonics. We expect this experiential learning in optics will increase student enthusiasm and interest to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210146
Entities
People
- Bernard Choi
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of California, Irvine