Undergraduate Capstone

1. Ultrafast Photonic Vibrometer (2017)

This work is intended to develop a photonic technology comprised of a laser, fiber optics along with signal processing for monitoring (and detecting) structural deflection of a moving body. A Menlo Systems high-speed laser is used to generate a 1550 nm Gaussian pulse train with a pulse width of less than 100 fs. This signal is then transmitted through a fiber optics component in free space to an object such as the surface of an engine blade. The reflected signal from the blade is then detected using an optical receiver. By comparing the reference signal, which is the signal generated by the laser, with the reflected signal detected by the optical

2. Non-invasive Glucose Meter (2017)

Diabetes is a chronic, incurable disease which occurs when the body doesn't produce any or enough insulin, which causes an excess of sugar in the blood. Over 400 million people in the world suffer from this disease, and of those 400 million, 25 million of the affected are from the United States. However, right now, the only way to make sure that one's blood sugar levels are at an acceptable level are through invasive and painful methods, such as finger-pricking with a sharp needle. We propose a non-invasive method to constantly monitor blood sugar levels using absorption spectroscopy and optics. This is new and different from other methods done thus far because it provides unique and in-depth analysis of the behavior of glucose, which can eventually lead to integrating a non-invasive glucose monitoring device which is cost efficient, reliable and accurate. The methods used in this project include optics and thorough analysis of unique absorption lines of glucose and other substances in different solutions and at various concentrations. So far, we have developed a software in Matlab programming language which interfaces with our current optical system and which helps us analyze the data we collect from the spectral analyzer. We also have a fully developed optical collimating setup, which will be able to provide the spectra necessary for this analysis. We also have state of the art real time software which will ultimately allow us to verify that our research is precise and reliable. Developing a non-invasive device for monitoring blood sugar levels would be groundbreaking, revolutionary and innovative since at this moment, a non-invasive glucose meter does not exist on the market and many big name companies are spending millions of dollars on research and possible prototypes at this time.

3. Optical Coherence Tomography system for biomedical imaging (2017)

Biomedical imaging is a vital means of understanding living systems and health-related phenomena that is utilized by commercial, medical, and academic institutions across the greater scientific community. The process of acquiring biological imaging data was explored here through two methods. The first method is a scalable, automated time-lapse camera system that can be adapted for many applications. This system was lab-tested to periodically capture images of biological samples for the purpose of monitoring sample growth. The second method is an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system suitable for applications requiring up to ?m resolution that challenges traditional ultrasonic cross sectional imaging of biological specimens. By comparing laser pulses reflected back from the sample medium with unobstructed reference pulses, properties of the sample medium such as height and density are determined. Physarum polycephalum, an amoeba commonly referred to as slime mold, was selected as a sample medium for testing both systems. Slime mold is an appropriate choice as a sample medium due to its complex internal structure, cytoplasmic channels, and intricate growth patterns. The two systems serve not only as useful imaging tools, but also as a foundation for future engineering students at LMU. Moreover, these systems are malleable and will have room for improvement as new technologies become available.

Controlling the mouse/object with user's eye motion (2016)

For people with mobility impairments, sometimes it is difficult to interact with computers and objects. In this project, we use motions of the eye to allow people with motion disability to accurately control the mouse of a computer, type sentences, browse internet and control instruments such as robotic arms.

Non-invasive Glucose meter (2015)

A non-invasive way to detect Glucose concentration in blood without the need to take blood with needle. Method was based on using infrared laser diodes and light absorption in materials.

Rotating LED with live feed (2015)

Array of LEDs sit on a 1D bar which is rotating at high speed, which allows the user to see a video frames coming from a live feed.