This project develops an optical coherence tomograpy (OCT) system to map a 3D image of porous materials, with the aim of implanting these materials in living organisms as a photonic bandage for in vivo monitoring of tissue healing.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive method for the analysis of material properties.  It uses a low coherence optical source and white light interferometry to provide a 3D mapping of material optical reflectance and index of refraction.  Recently, new porous structures have been developed, where biomolecules can bind to these substrates, thereby altering its optical properties.  It has been proposed that by implanting these materials in damaged tissues of living organisms, we can monitor the healing process by using OCT.  There are various aspects to this project, including design and implementation of the white light interferometer, opto-mechanical design of the probe, and testing in living tissues.

First year physics, basic knowledge of electromagnetism and/or optics.