What we do

We use optical spectroscopy to develop new and improved diagnostic tools. This includes techniques such as fluorescence, Raman and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and involves the development of devices ranging from wearable sensors through to fibre-optic probes.

Why it is important

Our research has a number of potential clinical applications including improved monitoring of clinical therapies and interventions (e.g. in inflammatory bowel disease and malnutrition), early diagnosis of infection, and even margin mapping in tumour resection surgery.

How it can benefit patients

The devices we are developing can potentially provide less invasive and lower cost diagnostics. In turn, this may facilitate patient benefits including earlier diagnosis, earlier identification of relapse (e.g. in therapy response monitoring applications), more widespread deployment and more comfortable patient experiences (e.g. through use of less invasive probes and sensors).

Summary of current research

Key research projects currently underway include: fluorescence spectroscopy for non-invasive assessment of gut function; Raman spectroscopy for point-of-care identification of urine infections; and development of fibre-optic Raman probes for in vivo diagnostics.