Optical Probe with Tunable Coherence for Deep Medical Imaging Technology

Coherence is one of the most curcial characteristic of any laser source for various range of applications in modern imaging technologies. In this context, natural photonic structures are fascinating templates for biomimetic designs for novel optical systems, components or devices to control and manipulate light [1, 2]. While the direct use of natural biophotonic structures for optical applications is limited since they are composed of bio-polymers with rather poor mechanical and photo stability but the investigation of these structures allows both a better understanding of the host species evolutionary development and provide intriguing templates for biomimetic applications.
In this work, I demonstrate optical functionality of these photonic structures using ultrashort laser pulses as well as monochromatic CW illumination. Our observations directly demonstrate the coherent manipulation and control of light in these photonic systems and detail understanding of our observation could provide a platform for the development of novel photonic devices [1].
[1] P. Kumar et al., Laser Phys. Lett. (2015); http://dx.doi:10.1088/1612-2011/12/2/025901
[2] P. Kumar et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. (2014); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4865202