Building Optical Microscopy/Telescope
Overview
During my MS at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, I worked in the Neurophotonics Lab under Professor Euiheon Chung’s supervision. The lab specialized in developing advanced optical imaging systems for microscopic visualization. I contributed to multiple optical microscopy projects, focusing on system design, integration, and optimization of various microscopy techniques. Beyond formal research, my passion for optics led to several innovative DIY projects that garnered recognition within GIST.
Technical Details
The work involved developing multiple microscopy systems including Abbe’s Diffraction Limited Microscopy with a dual-camera setup and precision optical elements, Confocal Microscopy integrated with ScanImage software, Light Sheet Microscopy for 3D biological imaging, and Two-Photon Microscopy. I also worked on analyzing two-photon microscopy data collected by Professor Chung during his visit to the University of San Diego, developing a prototype model for blood flow speed detection in veins based on geometric analysis.
Implementation
I worked alongside lab members to assemble various microscopy setups, incorporating complex optical components including high-precision lenses, lasers, galvanometers, and scientific cameras. The systems were built with careful consideration of optical alignment, mechanical stability, and software integration. For the Abbe’s diffraction system, I collaborated with Muhammad Mohsin Qureshi and Professor Chung to optimize the dual-camera configuration.
Key Achievements
The developed systems enabled high-resolution imaging of microscopic specimens with various capabilities. The successful implementation of Abbe’s diffraction limited microscopy and integration of ScanImage software with confocal microscopy setup enhanced the lab’s research capabilities. Additionally, I developed a geometric analysis-based prototype model for blood flow speed detection using two-photon microscopy data.
Personal Projects
My enthusiasm for optics extended beyond formal research into personal projects. I developed a super-telephoto system by combining a commercial Canon 75-300mm lens with a microscopic camera, achieving an effective focal length of 525-2100mm with 87.5x zoom capability. This setup utilized a camera with 7x smaller pixel size compared to standard DSLRs, enabling detailed long-distance photography. In another project, I designed a solar eclipse visualization system using a 1000mm Edmund Optics lens with a projection setup, creating stunning back-projected images of the solar eclipse that received high praise from GIST professors and students during public viewing sessions.
Impact
These microscopy systems enhanced the lab’s research capabilities in biological imaging and neuroscience studies. The successful implementation of multiple imaging modalities provided researchers with diverse tools for investigating microscopic specimens at different scales and resolutions. Additionally, my DIY projects demonstrated practical applications of optical principles and engaged the broader GIST community in astronomical observation.
Future Directions
The established microscopy platforms laid the foundation for future developments in advanced image processing and analysis techniques, integration of artificial intelligence for automated microscopy, enhanced system automation and user interfaces, and expansion of imaging capabilities through new modalities.