Light-matter interaction in the Bio-Universe

Our lab studies the interaction of light and matter to devise novel technology for biological research and clinical medicine. Coming from a fundamental optical physics background, we cover all stages of the translational spectrum: we study what light is; we try to understand its interaction with tissue, cells, and biomaterials; we develop advanced optical technology; we build instruments; and, we use our instruments for biological research and in clinical trials. With this approach, we have developed imaging modalities to map properties (e.g. mass, stiffness, viscosity) that are difficult or impossible to measure with traditional techniques but with important biomedical applications.

contact: scarc@umd.edu