MiniMeta-Miniature Imaging System with Meta-optics for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

This thesis delves into the world of meta-optics for biomedical applications imaging. Mission to improve the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases by developing novel imaging technology is booming in the research globe. Medical imaging in hospitals and laboratories has shown growing benefits around the globe. In recent years plenty of research articles have been published highlighting the need of medical imaging in solving problems of healthcare institutions. Size of the optics limits the imaging functionalities. For example neurons are inherently distributed in 3D, which leads to a need of probing upto an extended depth of focus. This is the first motivation we are moving towards meta-optics in biomedical. The work begins with the foundation in metasurfaces, examining issues such as narrow depth of field in metalenses and the development of EDoF called extended depth of focus in metalenses with larger working distances. Alternative solution for miniature imaging system called Miniscope developed by UCLA researchers. It further delves into the integration of meta-optics with different versions of Miniscopes. Subsequent chapters explore the extension of different metalens capabilities with miniscope, so called MiniMeta. It further delves into the more imaging features required for microscopic images and how the size of the optics limits the imaging features like, resolution, wide field of view and simultaneous multiple imaging functionalities with minimal distortion of metalenses. The thesis concludes with multiple resulting solutions in microscopic images for biomedical applications. Overall this thesis looks at the future opportunities to share discoveries and advanced imaging research with metalenses for multiple medical applications.