Editing Instrumentation Physics Laboratory (section)

====Photonics Group====

The Photonics Group has 2 subgroups, namely the Laser Microscopy Group, and the Wavefront Engineering Team.

The Laser Microscopy Group develops and constructs advanced microscope systems for rapid and non-invasive characterization of embedded defects inside semiconductor microchips. This has led to investigations on semiconductor defect localization using their absorption properties (via near-IR spectral imaging), thermal gradient mapping of integrated circuits and thermoreflectance imaging using a custom-built spectral microscope. Current research thrusts have extended the application to biomedicine. These include five-dimensional imaging of mouse embryos using two-photon excitation spectral microscopy; biomedical optics applied to pathology; spectral microscopy applied to biophotonics and forensics; and near-field scanning microscopy.

The Wavefront Engineering Team (WET) is interested in the application of recent advances in optical technology to various instrumentation research ventures. In particular, we are concerned in addressing two-dimensional phase, amplitude and state-of-polarization patterns of a coherent beam using programmable spatial light modulators to generate novel three-dimensional (3D) light patterns. The possibilities of these complex 3D optical fields point towards applications in optical microscopy; multiple beam optical trapping; micro-fabrication via nonlinear photo-polymerization; complex field coupling to advanced optical waveguides coupling for fiber sensors and more. Generation of the 3D optical fields makes use of a blend of interferometry-based techniques, in particular phase contrast and computer generated holography.

Group Leaders:

* Caesar A. Saloma, PhD Professor
* Giovanni A. Tapang, PhD Associate Professor