Biomedical Optics
Ken Akasaka & Kohei Nakagawa, 1st grade on Master’s program
In the Shimizu Laboratory, we are undertaking research for the medical application of various optical technologies. They include the development of new medical techniques using light such as the noninvasive measurement of blood lipids, transillumination imaging of animal bodies, optical CT, optical BAN (body area network), and biometrics identification. Near-infrared light has relatively high transmission through an animal body, and does not have the adverse effects of ionized radiation. Near-infrared light instruments are generally simple and compact. Therefore, using this light, we can provide safe and useful techniques to contribute to the new progress of medical technologies. However, there is a difficult problem in that near-infrared light is strongly scattered in the animal tissue. We cannot simply replace conventional techniques with near-infrared techniques in imaging and measurements. Although I have studied quantum optics during my undergraduate years, I came to have an interest in practical optical techniques which is actually helpful in our everyday life. I aspired to join this laboratory. In particular, I am interested in non-invasive physiological measurement using near-infrared light which is safe and suitable for medical imaging. I would like to pursue research in this field. (written by K. Akasaka).
In the Shimizu Laboratory, we hold seminars intensively in the morning and afternoon every Wednesday. In the seminars, every student reports the process and result of his research in an oral presentation form with PowerPoint. Between the professor and students, we have active discussions, and often new research ideas are born as the result. In addition to the research, we can consult with the professor and peers about problems in schooling and job-hunting. Students in our laboratory are very active and good friends with each other. In our laboratory there is a facility for experiments. With the supervision of an instructor, students design and construct an experimental system and carry out the research by themselves. This extends from software development for various simulations to development of hardware systems. Currently we are planning a welcome party for new members as well as regular gatherings to make our school life more fruitful. Please feel free to visit us if you are interested. (written by K. Nakagawa).
Dark-room facility in laboratory
Optical transillumination image of human hand
Laboratory members
