Project:	Design of Next-Generation 6D Single-Molecule Imaging Systems
Disciplines:	Electrical Engineering, Physics, Information and Data Sciences
Mentor:	Matthew Lew, Associate Professor, (EAS), mdlew@wustl.edu, Phone: 314-935-6790
Mentor URL:	lewlab.wustl.edu  (opens in new window)
Background:	NOTE: This project is being offered by a Caltech alum and is open only to Caltech students. The project will take place at Washington University in St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri. From the mentor: "I graduated from Caltech with a BS in EE in 2008. I have advised two Caltech SURF students in previous years and had a great time; both are now enrolled in PhD programs. I'm looking forward to working with passionate and inquisitive students this summer!" Over the past few years, my lab has published a series of new microscope designs for imaging both the 3D positions and 3D orientations of fluorescent molecules--6D imaging systems. These technologies enable biophysicists to explore simultaneously both where a molecule is and what its conformational state is. Recent advances in mathematical and computational frameworks open a plethora of new possibilities for microscope designs.
Description:	The student will work closely with me and a PhD student in my lab to explore new strategies for microscope design, validate the performance of the new designs, and demonstrate the new microscope for single-molecule imaging of proteins and/or RNA. The student will work at the intersection of Fourier optics, numerical optimization, detection and estimation theory, and single-molecule spectroscopy. The project's emphasis will be tailored to the strengths and interests of the student.
References:	https://lewlab.wustl.edu/ https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.05810 O. Zhang, Z. Guo, Y. He, T. Wu, M. D. Vahey, and M. D. Lew, “Six-dimensional single-molecule imaging with isotropic resolution using a multi-view reflector microscope,” Nat. Photon. 17, 179 (2023).
Student Requirements:	Ma 1 abc, Ph 1 abc, Ph 2 a (waves). ACM 95 ab, EE 55, EE 111, or EE 151 would be beneficial but not required.
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF    Caltech students only  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.