Adaptive Optical Systems: MST is focused on developing and investigating adaptive optical systems. These systems use spatial light modulators to manipulate light in real-time, allowing for precise control over the characteristics of light beams.
Biomedical Applications: The primary application of these adaptive optical systems is in the field of biomedicine. They are used for various purposes in this context.
3D Optogenetic Stimulation: MST is working on enabling fast and flexible targeted light delivery for 3D optogenetic stimulation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPS). Achieving kHz rates indicates high-speed control and precision.
Deep-Tissue Applications: MST is also involved in research related to deep-tissue imaging and light propagation through highly scattering media, such as 400 µm thick skull tissue. They employ digital optical phase conjugation techniques for this purpose.
Calibration Techniques: A significant challenge in adaptive optics is determining what to display on the spatial light modulator to achieve a specific desired outcome. MST is working on developing novel calibration techniques for this purpose.
Multi-Core Fiber Calibration: One of the innovative approaches MST uses involves the in-situ calibration of a multi-core fiber. This calibration transforms the fiber into a remote lensless endoscope that can be used for scanning microscopy and tomographic refractive index measurements of cells. This approach likely enables minimally invasive imaging.
Smart Microscopes: MST is developing smart microscopes that can perform fast scanning and correct for aberrations induced by the specimen. This technology allows for mechanical motion-free imaging, as exemplified in their work on Zebrafish thyroid glands.