Working visit to Optical Biomedical Imaging Group lab

The purpose of the visit was twofold: for the new group members to learn the experimental setup and procedure of two-photon vision threshold measurement and to verify the applicability of an existing product of Fluence, manufacturer of femtosecond fibre lasers, for this technique. An extra target was to explore the requirements of the method and setup to start the process of adapting the Fluence laser when it comes to integration into the measurement device.

Dr. Katarzyna Komar, a member of the host institution, delivered an overview presentation and, based on that, the general compatibility of the Fluence laser and experimental setup has been understood. The laser has been provisionally incorporated into the measurement system without any adapting modules through an existing input fibre and after lowering the laser power in the place of the eye under examination down to around 1 mW two-photon vision has been confirmed.

Jakub Bogusławski installed the Fluence laser and made sure it was working properly. Then he coupled the laser beam into the experimental setup and adjusted for optimal signal in the eye position. After the first series of test measurements, Jakub installed the pulse compressor to conduct another measurement in 200 fs mode. He assessed limitations imposed on the laser by the device, mainly caused by the use of fibres, and will feed this information to Fluence for easier optimization of the laser for the setup.

As a link between the POB group and its industrial partner, Fluence, Łukasz Kornaszewski focused on understanding the engineering side of the method so Fluence has sufficient feedback from the user about laser specification and working conditions. Also, knowing the product modification options, he could engage in discussion with NCU about possible changes in laser performance to satisfy user requirements. Łukasz also assessed Fluence laser integration potential in this particular environment. Fluence has been informed about these optimistic results and the visit confirmed the applicability of the product for two-photon vision threshold measurement.

Piotr Ciąćka explored the two-photon vision threshold measurement experimental setup thoroughly in order to understand its operation principle and to be able to duplicate some of its functions in Warsaw. He also helped in the experimental aspects of coupling the laser beam into the input fibre after the compressor. As a result of conversations with NCU staff, P. Ciąćka learned the technique and its limitations caused by the fact of it being performed on human eyes in vivo. This knowledge will form a sufficient basis for his experiments in Warsaw so they are compatible with the NCU setup.

Visitors

Jakub Bogusławski

Łukasz Kornaszewski

Piotr Ciąćka

Dates

March 6, 2018

Location

Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland