Annual Report May 2015

Student Chapter Officers:

President: Mohsen Erfanzadeh

Vice-President: Hamed Vavadi

Secretary: Feifei Zhou

Treasurer: Murad Althobaiti

Event Coordinator: Atahar Mostafa

Advisor: Professor Faquir Jain

Co-Advisor: Professor Quing Zhu

Members of the Chapter (15):

Murad Althobaiti, Michael Ambroselli, Swayandipta Dey, Mohsen Erfanzadeh,

Edward Eskew, Kaikai Guo, Chenhao Jin, Hai Li, Atahar Mostafa, Pariksheet

Nanda, Sreyankar Nandy, Hassan Salehi, Hamed Vavadi, Michael Williams, Feifei

Zhou.

Annual Report May 2015

I. 2014-2015 Past Activities

A. June 04, 2014: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Jointly hosted by UCONN SPIE and UCONN OSA chapters, a technical meeting

and conference was held. Details are as follows.

Time: Wed, June 04 2014, 1:45 pm-2:45 pm

Location: ITE Bldg., Room 336 Conference Room

Title: Efficient Target Detection using an adaptive compressive imager

Speaker: Dr. Abhijit Mahalanobis Corporate Fellow, Lockheed Martin Company

Abstract: The goal of a target detection system is to determine the location of

potential targets in the field of view of the sensor. Traditionally, this is done using

high quality images from a conventional imager. For wide field of view scenarios,

this can pose a challenge for both data acquisition and system bandwidth. A

compressive sensing technique for target detection that dramatically reduce the

number of measurements that are required to perform the task, as compared to the

number of pixels in the conventional images is presented. This in turn can reduce

the data rate from the sensor electronics, and along with it the cost, complexity and

the bandwidth requirements of the system. Specifically, we discuss a two-stage

approach that first adaptively searches a large area using shift-invariant masks to

determine the locations of potential targets (i.e. the regions of interest), and then re-

visits each location to discriminate between target and clutter using a different set

of specialized masks. We show that the overall process is not only highly efficient

(i.e. dramatically reduces the number of measurements as compared to the number

of pixels), but does so without appreciable loss in target detection performance.

(See appendix for photos and biographical information about the speaker.)

Annual Report May 2015

B. June 09, 2014: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Jointly hosted by UCONN SPIE and UCONN OSA chapters, a technical meeting

and conference was held. Details are as follows.

Time: Mon, June 9 2014, 3:15 pm-4:15 pm

Location: ITE Bldg., Room 336 Conference Room

Title: Novel Optical Metrology Projects at GE Global Research

Speaker: Kevin Harding, Principal Engineer, GE Global Research

Abstract: Optical metrology offers a wide range of tools for modern manufacturing

environments. There are many commercial tools on the market today ranging from

laser probes and machine vision sensors to full 3D mapping systems. However,

sometimes what is available just is not sufficient for the needs in precision

manufacturing environments. GE manufactures aircraft engines used by airlines

around the world, power turbines that produce terrawatts of power, wind power

generators that dot the American southwest, locomotives that pull many of the

trains around the world, and medical equipment from microscopes to CT scanners.

All of these products require manufacturing tolerances that push the boundaries of

available measurement systems. This presentation will discuss some of the recent

work at GE Global Research to address some of this measurement challenges and

the novel methods developed by the GE research teams.

(See appendix for photos and biographical information about the speaker.)

Annual Report May 2015

C. April 02, 2015: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Jointly hosted by UCONN SPIE and UCONN OSA chapters, a technical meeting

and conference was held. Details are as follows.

Time: Thu, April 02 2015, 12:30pm-1:30pm

Location: ITE Bldg., Room 401A

Title: Ultrasensitive Digital Detection of Nanoparticles: Viral Diagnostics and

Multiplexed Protein and Nucleic Acid Assays

Speaker: Selim Unlu, Professor of ECE, BME, MSE, Associate Dean for Research

and Graduate Studies, Boston University.

Abstract: Direct monitoring of primary molecular binding interactions without the

need for secondary reactants would markedly simplify and expand applications of

high-throughput label-free detection methods. We have developed the

Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) for label-free, high throughput,

high sensitivity and dynamic detection of molecular binding on a solid

surface. IRIS has demonstrated protein-protein binding and DNA-protein binding

in real time, label-free, and in a high-throughput format with high sensitivity (~10

pg/mm2) and reproducibility as well as label-free measurements of DNA

hybridization kinetics and viral detection. Synthetic nanoparticles have made

signicant impact across a broad range of technological applications including

optical nanoantennas, ultra-sensitive imaging and sensing, and diagnostics and

therapeutics. Natural nanoparticles such as viruses and pollutants are involved in

global health problems. High-throughput characterization of nanoparticles in terms

of their size and shape is crucial for practical applications of synthetic nanoparticles

and highly sensitive pathogen identification. Recently, we have demonstrated IRIS

with the ability to detect single nanoscale particles. In single-particle modality of

IRIS (SP-IRIS), the interference of light reflected from the sensor surface is

modified by the presence of particles producing a distinct signal that reveals the

size of the particle. In our approach the dielectric layered structure acts as an optical

Annual Report May 2015

antenna optimizing the elastic scattering characteristics of nanoparticles for

sensitive detection and analysis. We have successfully detected 35 nm and 50 nm

radius particles and H1N1 viruses (illustrated in the conceptual picture) with

accurate size discrimination. We have demonstrated identification of virus particles

in complex samples for replication-competent wild-type vesicular stomatitis virus

(VSV), defective VSV, and Ebola- and Marburg-pseudotyped VSV. Size

discrimination of the imaged nanoparticles (virions) allows differentiation between

modified viruses having different genome lengths and facilitates a reduction in the

counting of non-specifically bound particles to achieve a limit-of-detection (LOD)

of 5x103 pfu/mL for the Ebola and Marburg VSV pseudotypes. We have

demonstrated the simultaneous detection of multiple viruses in serum or whole

blood as well as in samples contaminated with high levels of bacteria. Single

nanoparticle detection with IRIS has shown promising results for protein and DNA

arrays with attomolar detection sensitivity.

(See appendix for photos)

Annual Report May 2015

D. April 09, 2015: 3rd Biennial UCONN SPIE/OSA Optics and Photonics

Conference

SPIE UConn Student Chapter in collaboration with OSA UConn Student Chapter

organized a very successful one day event of technical talks that offered graduate

students an opportunity to present their research in concise 12 minute lectures, and

at a poster session at the end of the day. The conference also included talks from

five distinguished professors, two of which were invited speakers and three of

which were UConn faculty members. Dr. Liang from the University of Arizona was

invited utilizing the SPIE Visiting Lecturer grant. Dr. Bigio from Boston University

was also invited by SPIE UConn Student Chapter. The abstracts for the presented

talks are provided chronologically. (See appendix for photos.)

Time: Thu April 9, 8.30 am-5 pm

Location: ITE Bldg., Room 336

1.

Title: How to build a giga-pixel microscope using an LED array?

Speaker: Dr. Guoan Zheng, University of Connecticut

Abstract: Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a recently developed

computational technique for high-resolution, high-throughput imaging. This

technique stitches variably illuminated, low-resolution measurements in Fourier

space to expand the frequency passband and recover a high-resolution, complex,

sample image. Without involving any mechanical scanning, it facilitates gigapixel

imaging in a simple, robust, and cost-effective manner. In this talk, I will discuss

applications of FPM for gigapixel microscopy, quantitative phase, 3D holographic,

spectrum-multiplexing, photographic, and super-resolution fluorescence imaging.

FPM may provide new insights for high-resolution, high-throughput, photon, X-

ray and electron imaging platforms and clinical applications in digital pathology.

Annual Report May 2015

2.

Title: Optical modulators using quantum well and quantum dot structures

Speaker: Murali Lingalugari, University of Connecticut

Abstract: According to quantum confined stark effect (QCSE), the optical

absorption coefficient changes with the applied electric field due to

electroabsorption. This occurs due to the exciton peaks shifting to lower energies.

The modulation speed of Electroabsorption Modulators (EAMs) depends on how

fast the electric field can be changed. Because of this, the modulation in EAMs can

achieve higher data rates and bandwidth of modulation required for optical

communication systems. Due to confinement in quantum wells (QWs) and

quantum dots (QDs), energy states are quantized and reduced transition energies

result in increased optical absorption. The confinement of excitons in multiple

QWs/QDs due to potential barrier/cladding, enhances excitonic binding energy and

strong absorption near band edges. Research in QW and QD modulators and the

potential of QDs in solar cells will be presented.

3.

Title: Advances in three-dimensional imaging, visualization, and display

Speaker: Dr. Bahram Javidi, University of Connecticut

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems have mass markets in

entertainment and communication. Three-dimensionality is an added benefit for

imaging devices, and the search for an optimum 3D imaging and display technique

is an important research area. 3D monitors should provide observers varying their

head position with different perspectives of a 3D scene. This seminar presents an

overview of our work on multi view imaging systems. 3D imaging systems promise

a new paradigm in communications, TV, cinema, mobile phones displays,

education, and entertainment. The talk will address some of the limitations,

including limited depth of field, the pseudoscopic-to-orthoscopic conversion,

production of 3D images with continuous relief, and the limited range of viewing

Annual Report May 2015

angles. Theoretical and experimental results, applications, and challenges of

integral imaging will be discussed.

4.

Title: Photon-counting security tagging and verification using optically encoded

QR codes

Speaker: Adam Markman, University of Connecticut

Abstract: We propose an optical security method for object authentication using

photon-counting encryption implemented with phase encoded QR codes. By

combining full phase double-random-phase encryption with photon-counting

imaging and an iterative Huffman coding technique, we are able to encrypt and

compress an image containing primary information about the object. This data can

be stored inside a phase encoded QR code for robust read out, decryption, and

authentication. The optically encoded QR code is verified by examining the speckle

signature of the optical masks using statistical analysis. Experimental results

demonstrate the system performance, including a commercial smartphone to read

the optically encoded QR code.

5.

Title: Optical biopsy: detecting cancer and pre-cancer with elastic light-scattering

spectroscopy

Speaker: Dr. Irving J. Bigio, Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Electrical

& Computer Engineering, Physics, School of Medicine, Boston University

Abstract: Optical spectroscopy mediated by fiber-optic probes can be used to

perform noninvasive, or minimally-invasive, real-time assessment of tissue

pathology in-situ. The method of elastic-scattering spectroscopy (ESS) is sensitive

to the sub-cellular architectural changes, such as nuclear grade and nuclear to

cytoplasm ratio, mitochondrial size and density, etc., which correlate with features

used by pathologists when performing histological assessment to detect disease.

The ESS method senses those morphology changes without actually imaging the

Annual Report May 2015

microscopic structure. Clinical demonstrations of ESS have been conducted in a

variety of organ sites, with promising results; larger-scale clinical studies are now

ongoing.

6.

Title: Fourier ptychography: a computational framework for giga-pixel imaging

Speaker: Kaikai Guo, University of Connecticut

Abstract: A long standing problem in conventional image platform design is the

trade-off between resolution and field-of-view (FOV). Fourier ptychography (FP)

solves this using computation. The setup of FP is very simple: an LED array and a

conventional microscope with a low numerical aperture (NA) objective lens. The

LED array successively illuminates the sample from multiple angles. At each angle,

a low-resolution, wide FOV image is captured through the objective. By combining

all these low-resolution images in the Fourier domain, FP recovers a complex image

with intensity and phase information, at high-resolution and with a wide FOV. FP

is also able to digitally correct for aberrations and extend the depth-of-focus beyond

the physical limitation of the employed optics.

7.

Title: Near infrared diffused light imaging for breast cancer detection

Speaker: Dr. Quing Zhu, University of Connecticut

Abstract: Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and spectroscopy (DOS) have been

explored for diagnosis and neoadjuvant therapy of advanced breast cancers. Many

studies utilizing DOT or DOS alone for diagnosis in the near infrared spectrum

have been reported. However, due to light scattering in tissue, lesion localization

and quantification may not be fully demonstrated. New approaches in the field

include ultrasound guided DOT, MRI-guided DOT or DOS and X-ray guided DOT.

These approaches utilize conventional imaging to guide the DOT or DOS for lesion

localization and image reconstruction to improve the light quantification accuracy

for accurate diagnoses of malignant and benign lesions. The additional advantage

Annual Report May 2015

of dual-modality characterization is complementary information which improves

diagnosis. Furthermore, these imaging-guided approaches can be used to monitor

therapy responses more accurately. In this talk, ultrasound guided DOT approach

pioneered by us will be reviewed and discussed. Clinical results will be presented.

8.

Title: Extended depth-of-focus 3D micro integral imaging display using a bifocal

liquid crystal lens.

Speaker: Xin Shen, University of Connecticut

Abstract: We present a three dimensional (3D) micro integral imaging display

system with extended depth of focus using a polarized, bifocal, liquid crystal lens.

This lens and other optical components are combined as the relay optical element.

The focal length of the relay optical element can be controlled to project an

elemental image array in multiple positions with various lenslet image planes, by

applying different voltages to the liquid crystal lens. The depth of focus of the

proposed system can therefore be extended. The feasibility of our proposed system

is experimentally demonstrated. In our experiments, the depth of focus of the

display system is extended from 3.82 to 109.43 mm.

9.

Title: Optical engineering for biomedical optical imaging

Speaker: Dr. Rongguang Liang, University of Arizona

Abstract: Optical engineering consideration in designing biomedical optical

imaging is one of the keys in developing new biomedical optical imaging systems,

it requires a solid understanding of the special requirements of the optical systems

for biomedical applications and optical components used in the systems. This

lecture will discuss the fundamentals of optical engineering and design

considerations of selected optical imaging modalities.

Annual Report May 2015

10.

Title: Targeting tumor hypoxia: third generation 2-Nitroimidazole ICG conjugate

Speaker: Feifei Zhou, University of Connecticut

Abstract: Tumor hypoxia is associated with the malignant progression and tumor

responsiveness to therapy, and targeting these tumors has a profound impact on

anti-cancer treatments. In this study we evaluate a new generation hypoxia-targeted

rigid dye which has a higher fluorescence yield. Results show that it has about a

100 nm absorption/emission wavelength shift and 3-4 times the fluorescence

quantum yield compared to 2-nitroimidazole-ICG, as well as more than twice in-

vivo tumor fluorescence intensity 2 hours post injection. These initial results

suggest that the targeted rigid dye may significantly improve in vivo tumor hypoxia

targeting.

11.

Title: Optical coherence tomography for ovarian cancer detection

Speaker: Sreyankar Nandy, University of Connecticut

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging

modality penetration depth of a few millimeters. It measures backscattered photons

from different layers of a tissue sample. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality

rate among all the gynecological cancers due to late stage detection and the lack of

early diagnostics. Epithelial ovarian cancer constitutes 95% of all ovarian cancer

cases, which lies, between a few micrometers to a few millimeters, inside tissue.

OCT has been effectively applied at UConn for accurate diagnosis of healthy and

malignant ovarian tissue. An overview of extensions of OCT based systems such

as polarized OCT, intraoperative catheter based OCT and combined

OCT/PAT/Ultrasound systems will be given. Achievements in detection between

healthy and malignant ovarian tissue, and current research on Optical coherence

elastography (OCE) will be detailed.

Annual Report May 2015

E. May 07, 2015: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Time: Thu May 7, 10:00 am – 10:50 am

Location: ITE Bldg., Room 336 Conference room

Title: Adventures in interferometric metrology

Speaker: Dr. Peter J. de Groot, Zygo Corporation

Host: Prof. Bahram Javidi, University of Connecticut

Abstract: Light travels incredibly fast, has a wavelength of less than a thousandth

of a millimeter in the visible, and oscillates at 600 THz—far too fast to be detected

directly the way that we detect radio waves or sound waves. Miraculously, we can

access the wavelength and use it as a precise unit of measurement, by taking

advantage of the principle of superposition: Two light waves can coexist in the

same space, and when they do, they interfere with each other. The effect is linear

in complex amplitude (well, most of the time), which is mathematically lovely. If

the two waves are close in frequency, it is easy to observe the interference fringe

patterns and use the very small wavelength for high-precision metrology. I always

delight in the appearance of interference fringes not only for the remarkable physics

that they reveal, but also for their practical value. I have made use of this effect to

solve problems in optical metrology and instrument design. This presentation will

provide illustrative examples of such practical interferometry, including precision

stage motion control, the testing of lenses and mirrors, semiconductor wafer

metrology, the detailed analysis of microscopic surface structure, and life science

applications.

(See appendix for photos and biographical information about the speaker)

Annual Report May 2015

II. 2015 Future Activities

A. SPIE UConn Student Chapter is strongly interested in increasing the collaboration between

Engineering and Physics departments. Therefore we are planning to hold lecture sessions

by the distinguished UConn Physics professors of Optics, Quantum Optics, and Atomic

and Molecular Physics. Professor Chandrasekhar Roychoudhuri will be one of the potential

speakers and his talk will be titled Re-visiting optical phenomena through the “lens” of

“Non-Interaction of Waves”.

B. Visiting Advanced Optics and Biomedical Optics laboratories in universities in the

neighboring states such as Massachusetts and New York.

Annual Report May 2015

III. Financial Statement for Fiscal Year 2014-2015

Income: $900.00

Expenses:

608 - Refreshments -- Organization 80.41

606 – Printing -- Events/Programs $32.04

615 – Contractual Services -- Events/Programs $734.75

620 – Refreshments -- Events/Programs $63.95

632 - Prior Year Expenses $40

Total Expenses: $870.74

Net Profit (Loss): ($29.26)

****************************************************

Beginning Balance as of 07/01/2014: $ 2787.20

Received Grant by SPIE on 12/23/2013: $900

Current Balance: $2816.46

Annual Report May 2015

IV. Appendix

A. June 04, 2014: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Biographical information about the speaker:

Dr. Abhijit Mahalanobis is a Lockheed Martin Corporate Fellow, and currently serves as the

Manager and Technical Lead for ATR programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control,

Orlando. In this capacity, his key thrusts have been in developing new business, building customer

relations, and transitioning advanced technologies to industry products. His main interests are in

multi-sensor automatic target recognition, pattern recognition, and image processing. He has made

significant contributions to the field of Correlation Pattern Recognition, and has over 100 journal

and conference publications in this area. He has organized and lead large teams that include

academia and industry on several projects with various DOD organizations, including several with

DARPA such as Multi-Scale ATR (DSO), Integrated Sensing and Processing (DSO), and

LACOSTE (SPO).

Abhijit completed his B.S. degree with Honors at the University of California, Santa

Barbara in 1984. He then joined the Carnegie Mellon University and received the MS. and Ph.D.

degrees in 1985 and 1987, respectively. He was awarded the Lockheed Martin Corporation’s

highest honor in 2005, the NOVA award, for his efforts to promote the company in the field of

Automatic Target Recognition. He is a fellow of OSA and SPIE.

Annual Report May 2015

B. June 09, 2014: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Biographical information about the speaker:

Kevin Harding is a Principal Engineer in GE Global Research. Kevin has over 35 years in the field

of optical technology and metrology, with over 65 patents, 150 papers, several book chapters and

a book, the CRC Handbook of Optical Dimensional Metrology for which he is the editor and

primary author. Kevin has been recognized for his work by the Society of Manufacturing

Engineers (Eli Whitney Award), the Engineering Society of Detroit, and the Automated Imaging

Association (leadership awards). He is a fellow and past president of SPIE – the International

Society for Optics and Photonics, through which he has also presented many years of tutorials on

optics and optical metrology, as well as chaired numerous conferences for close to 30 years.

Annual Report May 2015

C. April 02, 2015: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Annual Report May 2015

D. April 09, 2015: 3rd Biennial UCONN OSA/SPIE Optics and Photonics

Conference

Dr. Guoan Zheng’s talk

Mr. Murali Lingalugari's talk

Annual Report May 2015

Professor Bahram Javidi's talk

Annual Report May 2015

Mr. Adam Markman's talk

Lunch Break

Annual Report May 2015

Professor Irving J. Bigio's talk

Annual Report May 2015

Professor Quing Zhu's talk

Annual Report May 2015

Mr. Xin Shen’s talk

Ms. Feifei Zhou's talk

Annual Report May 2015

Dr. Rongguang Liang's talk

Annual Report May 2015

Mr. Sreyankar Nandy's talk

Annual Report May 2015

E. May 07, 2015: SPIE/OSA UConn Student Chapter Technical Talk

Biographical information about the speaker:

Peter received his Physics PhD from UCONN, where he delivered a thesis in 1987 on the Auger

electron spectroscopy of heavy-ion collisions under the guidance of Prof. Quinten Kessel. Since

that time, he has specialized in precision optical measurements, publishing 140 technical papers,

tutorials and book chapters. Peter is currently the Executive Director of R&D at ZYGO and head

of an R&D Team comprised of 7 PhD scientists, focused on the invention and concept

demonstration of new optical instruments. As R&D Group Leader and as a Principal Scientist,

Peter has contributed to every ZYGO metrology product line since 1992, and is an inventor for

130 US patents.