Darwin Quiroz, a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder, is at the forefront of pioneering advancements in the field of miniature laser technologies that carry vast potential for biomedical applications. His research explores the synergy between light and matter, fundamentally reshaping how we capture optical images. This interest, ignited during his undergraduate days while working on atomic magnetometers, has evolved into an innovative technique employing a fluid-based optical device called an electrowetting prism. His recent work in collaboration with peers Eduardo Miscles and Mo Zohrabi, highlights a transformative approach to laser steering, promising groundbreaking developments in various fields.
The groundbreaking study, which is co-authored by Quiroz and published in the esteemed journal Optics Express, centers on the application of electrowetting prisms in enabling high-speed laser beam steering. Conventional laser scanning methodologies rely heavily on mechanical mirrors to guide beams of light, a technique that, despite its proven efficacy in generating detailed images, presents significant limitations in terms of speed, complexity, and device miniaturization. Quiroz’s contribution, however, replaces the cumbersome mechanical components with a novel, non-mechanical optical device that utilizes a thin layer of liquid whose surface properties can be dynamically manipulated using electrical voltage.
One of the most compelling aspects of this new methodology is its potential for integration into various imaging applications, including microscopy, LiDAR, optical communications, and brain imaging. Quiroz highlights the scalable advantage of the electrowetting prism, which not only measures smaller than traditional optical devices but also consumes less power. The fluid-based approach broadens the spectrum of optical imaging technologies, paving the way for tools that could ultimately be miniaturized for in-vivo experiments or portable diagnostic devices.
In the realm of traditional laser scanning microscopy, imaging is achieved by moving a focused laser beam across samples in a systematic grid pattern, scanning one line at a time. This linear technique yields high-definition visuals of biological specimens, yet requires rapid and precise manipulation of the laser beam for effective results. The introduction of the electrowetting prism revolutionizes this methodology by eliminating mechanical movements, which are often sources of errors and delays. Instead, the prism alters the shape of the liquid layer to direct light, facilitating an unprecedented level of control and efficiency in beam steering.
In prior efforts, researchers faced challenges with slow scanning speeds and limited one-dimensional steering capabilities when working with electrowetting prisms. However, Quiroz and Miscles have taken significant strides by successfully demonstrating two-dimensional scanning capabilities at operational speeds ranging from 25 to 75 Hz. This notable advancement marks a critical milestone, making the technology actionable and suitable for real-world imaging applications. Overcoming the challenge of producing consistent linear scanning without distortion was key; their research team discovered that the prism exhibits resonant modes akin to standing waves, which can be harnessed to facilitate rapid scanning.
The implications of this research extend far beyond academic curiosity. Given the compact design and energy-efficient nature of electrowetting prisms, they hold the potential to be integrated into miniature imaging devices capable of real-time observation in vivo. Quiroz envisions a world where neuroscientists can monitor the brain activity of live animals as they navigate mazes, offering profound insights into neurological phenomena and paving the way for significant breakthroughs in the understanding of conditions such as PTSD and Alzheimer’s disease.
Building on the foundational work laid by former PhD student Omkar Supekar, Quiroz and Miscles have extended the capabilities of electrowetting prisms in optical systems for real-time imaging. Their efforts not only demonstrate two-dimensional scanning but also lay the groundwork for further exploration and calibration of electrowetting scanners across diverse applications. This research highlights the untapped potential of combining physics and engineering principles to innovate tools that provide unprecedented perspectives into biological processes.
The future of this technology hinges on cross-disciplinary collaborations that can leverage this research to enhance imaging tools. Quiroz expresses hope that this work serves as inspiration for collaborations that weave together physics, engineering, and biomedical research, all aimed at unlocking the mysteries of brain functions. As Quiroz aptly puts it, the ultimate goal is not merely technological advancement but enhancing our capacity to observe and comprehend the intricacies of the brain in ways previously thought impossible.
It is clear that the intellectual efforts of Quiroz and his colleagues represent more than an incremental advancement; they signify a seismic shift in how optical imaging could evolve. This work not only showcases the possibilities that emerge when academic disciplines converge but also emphasizes the ongoing need for innovation in imaging technologies that can significantly enhance our understanding of the biological sciences. The converse relationship between scientific discovery and practical application continues to underscore the importance of research in our quest for knowledge about the human brain and its functions.
As Quiroz’s research progresses, the potential applications of electrowetting prisms may extend beyond the realm of biomedical research. Industries ranging from telecommunications to environmental monitoring may benefit from the precise beam steering capabilities offered by this new optical paradigm. Quiroz and his team’s dedication to improving the efficiency and accessibility of imaging technologies underscores the pivotal role that aspiring scientists and engineers play in our societal advancement.
With each stride that researchers like Quiroz take, we edge closer to revolutionizing imaging methodologies, transforming our understanding of the brain and its myriad complexities. The journey from curiosity-driven research to practical, impactful applications is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity inherent in the scientific endeavor. As we look to the future, Quiroz’s innovative work on electrowetting prisms continues to inspire a visionary path forward in the realm of optical imaging technologies.
Subject of Research: Electrowetting Prism Technology in Optical Imaging
Article Title: New Frontiers in Laser Steering: The Promise of Electrowetting Prisms
News Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.567484
References: Not applicable
Image Credits: Not applicable
Keywords
Optics, Biomedical Imaging, Electrowetting, Laser Steering, Microscopy, Neurological Research, Imaging Technology, Engineering, Physics
