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University Lecturer Nina Reistad MSc, PhD

Nina Reistad

Senior lecturer

University Lecturer Nina Reistad MSc, PhD

A biophotonic platform for quantitative analysis in the spatial, spectral, polarimetric, and goniometric domains

Author

  • Hampus Månefjord
  • Meng Li
  • Christian Brackmann
  • Nina Reistad
  • Anna Runemark
  • Jadranka Rota
  • Benjamin Anderson
  • Jeremie T. Zoueu
  • Aboma Merdasa
  • Mikkel Brydegaard

Summary, in English

Advanced instrumentation and versatile setups are needed for understanding light interaction with biological targets. Such instruments include (1) microscopes and 3D scanners for detailed spatial analysis, (2) spectral instruments for deducing molecular composition, (3) polarimeters for assessing structural properties, and (4) goniometers probing the scattering phase function of, e.g., tissue slabs. While a large selection of commercial biophotonic instruments and laboratory equipment are available, they are often bulky and expensive. Therefore, they remain inaccessible for secondary education, hobbyists, and research groups in low-income countries. This lack of equipment impedes hands-on proficiency with basic biophotonic principles and the ability to solve local problems with applied physics. We have designed, prototyped, and evaluated the low-cost Biophotonics, Imaging, Optical, Spectral, Polarimetric, Angular, and Compact Equipment (BIOSPACE) for high-quality quantitative analysis. BIOSPACE uses multiplexed light-emitting diodes with emission wavelengths from ultraviolet to near-infrared, captured by a synchronized camera. The angles of the light source, the target, and the polarization filters are automated by low-cost mechanics and a microcomputer. This enables multi-dimensional scatter analysis of centimeter-sized biological targets. We present the construction, calibration, and evaluation of BIOSPACE. The diverse functions of BIOSPACE include small animal spectral imaging, measuring the nanometer thickness of a bark-beetle wing, acquiring the scattering phase function of a blood smear and estimating the anisotropic scattering and the extinction coefficients, and contrasting muscle fibers using polarization. We provide blueprints, component list, and software for replication by enthusiasts and educators to simplify the hands-on investigation of fundamental optical properties in biological samples.

Department/s

  • Combustion Physics
  • Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC)
  • Atomic Physics
  • Biodiversity
  • Biological Museum
  • Ophthalmology, Lund
  • Ophthalmology Imaging Research Group
  • Chemical Physics
  • CAnMove - Centre for Animal Movement Research

Publishing year

2022-11-18

Language

English

Publication/Series

Review of Scientific Instruments

Volume

93

Issue

11

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

American Institute of Physics (AIP)

Topic

  • Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics
  • Other Physics Topics

Status

Published

Research group

  • Ophthalmology Imaging Research Group
  • CAnMove - Centre for Animal Movement Research

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1089-7623