Dr Chao Wang, a Senior Lecturer in Electronic Systems in the School of Engineering and Digital Arts at the University of Kent, has received a RCUK Catapult Researchers in Residence (RiR) Award to collaborate with two Catapult Centres, the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Digital Catapult, to develop data-efficient ultrafast imaging screening technology.
Ultrafast optical imaging technology enables new discoveries in scientific research and medicine. For instance, ultrafast imaging is a promising solution for high-throughput imaging screening of rare circulating cancer cells in human blood towards early diagnosis of cancer metastasis. However, this ultrafast imaging instrument continuously produces a deluge of data that can overwhelm even the most advanced electronic circuits and digital signal processors, and cause substantial energy consumption.
This three-year project, “Data compressed ultrafast single-pixel microscopy for high-throughput imaging blood cell flow analysis (COUNTING)”, aims to develop data-efficient ultrafast optical imaging technology through the powerful concept of all-optical signal processing and data compression that will completely avoid the electronic and digital bottlenecks. This interdisciplinary project will be carried out in close collaboration with the new National Centre for Healthcare Photonics in CPI and the Digital Catapult. This RiR programme will allow Dr Wang to access Catapult’s facilities and extensive industry partner network, and get expert advice on developing an integrated solution for ultrafast imaging and data processing.