Mapping the human brain with advanced optoelectronic fibers and lasers

We rely on a multi-disciplinary model combining photonics, materials science, electronics and neurobiology towards understanding and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The main research activities in the group are:

• Design and fabrication of flexible multi-functional fiber-based neural devices based on advanced materials.
•  Development of gas-filled hollow-core fiber lasers towards simultaneous opsin-free neuromodulation and imaging of the brain activity.

Part of our group’s activity is also dedicated to applying the knowledge acquired in our research to the development of green environmental systems for the detection of greenhouse and toxic gas emissions.

Light-based techniques for imaging, sensing and stimulation of neurons constitute the cornerstone in modern neuroscience. Our goal is to bring forward further development of these techniques.

We will provide both flexible optoelectronic neural interfaces able to interact with the brain while causing minimal damage on a cellular scale - and innovative laser sources targeting wavelengths that can elicit responses from biological tissues at a molecular level.

Our ultimate aim is to reveal new underlying mechanisms in the human brain that could give answers to long-standing questions such as what causes dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

By working in close contact with various experts in the field, we are developing new advanced tools for neuroscience that are meant to be a fundamental basis to move towards prevention and treatment of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, which are plaguing the population, especially at an advanced age. Ensuring a lower incidence of debilitating illnesses in our elders addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goal #3 (good health and well-being). We also apply our technology and knowledge for the development of emerging detection systems of greenhouse and various toxic gases for a greener environment (UN Sustainable Development #13 (Climate Action)). We finally aim to contribute to the growth of the next generation of scientific minds by offering relevant courses (UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – Quality Education).