Optica OSA 2024 Senior Members Recognize Wyant College of Optical Sciences Faculty
Florian Willomitzer, Associate Professor of Optical Sciences, and Dongkyun "DK" Kang, Associate Professor of Optical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, have been recognized as 2024 OSA Senior Members of Optica.
Willomitzer and his students are working on a broad variety of problems in computational imaging, metrology, and quantitative vision. The lab's research combines teachings from physical optics, image and signal processing, computer vision, and information theory. Current research projects include the development of novel techniques to image hidden objects through scattering media or around corners, unconventional methods for precise VR eye-tracking, high-resolution holographic displays, and the implementation of high-precision metrology methods in low-cost mobile handheld devices. Moreover, the group develops novel time-of-flight and structured light imaging techniques working at depth resolutions in the 100μm-range. The developed techniques and systems have multiple applications in medicine, VR/AR, robotics, industrial inspection, remote sensing, automotive sensing, metrology, forensics, or cultural heritage preservation.
Kang's research focuses on developing advanced optical microscopy technologies to improve medical diagnostics and patient care. He is pioneering low-cost confocal microscopy for diagnosing diseases like skin cancers and plans to expand this technology's use for accurately diagnosing corneal ulcers in resource-limited settings. He is also working to translate light sheet microscopy into a compact endoscopic probe for precise, in vivo visualization of internal organs to aid in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Optica designation of OSA Senior Member is a recognition of researchers who have demonstrated significant experience and accomplishments in their professional careers. This honor distinguishes them as leaders and innovators in the optics and photonics community. Congratulations to Profs. Kang and Willomitzer for this prestigious honor, acknowledging their significant contributions to the field of optics and photonics.