Welcome to the Imaging Concepts Group 

The Imaging Concepts Group (ICG) conducts internationally leading research into a range of advanced optical sensing and imaging techniques. Research ranges from fundamentals of imaging science and the invention and demonstration of new imaging techniques through to their application in fields ranging through microscopy, biomedical imaging (particularly oximetry in the retina and in vivo imaging of cardiovascular structure and function in the developing zebrafish), remote sensing and surveillance. 

Since moving to Glasgow from Heriot-Watt University, the ICG has grown to a current complement of about twenty researchers consisting of four Academics (Prof. Harvey, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Mullenbroich, and Dr. Courtial); three post-doctoral researchers, over ten PhD students and multiple visiting scholars or MSc students.

The group benefits from recently refurbished research laboratories and over £1M of recent investment in state-of-the-art imaging equipment (e.g. fluorescence microscopes, two-photon microscope, tuneable coherent, broadband, and incoherent light sources, spectrometry, light manipulation, state-of-the-art cameras, hyper and multispectral imaging, retinal cameras, six large optical tables and wide stock of optical infrastructure).

Research is conducted with funding from the EPSRC, medical charities, NC3R, European Union, Innovate UK, and a wide range of industrial collaborators such as Qioptiq, Selex, QinetiQ, Findley Irvine, Edinburgh Instruments, STMicroelectronics, and Optos.

In addition to traditional routes to scientific publication, we are keen to tell the wider world all about our work. Jonathan Taylor has recently been featured by the British Heart Foundation in their monthly supporters magazine for his research on beating-heart imaging. Also, PhD student Lewis MacKenzie was recently the winner of the Scottish Final of FameLAB and has represented the UK in the European Science Slam Final. 

For students interested in studying for a PhD in our group, there are currently several vacancies for fully funded PhD/EngD studentships.

Retinal Imaging

Retinal imaging is critical in the assessment and management of retinal diseases across the world. We are developing new imaging systems and techniques to enable a greater understanding of diseases propagation through retina and to allow better access to eyecare in low to middle income countries

Computational microscopy

Computational microscopy involves extracting additional information from a 2 dimensional image allowing us to localise particles in 3d space, or best the fundamental limit of diffraction with super-res imaging.

Cardio-Photonics

We are developing innovative optical microscope technology to investigate both the structure and function of the heart.

Pixel Optics

We are exploring new possibilities in transformation-optics devices, with a focus on both theoretical and experimental approaches. Our particular interest lies in developing spectacles for vision correction and constructing optical wormholes and invisibility cloaks.

Computational Imaging

We are developing new approaches to image in which computational image recovery and novel optical systems work in unison to enable new imaging capabilities.

A tartan resulting from video feedback with a pixellated monitor

Tartan geometry of light

As a research group based in Scotland we are naturally proud and excited every time light reveals its tartan nature to us.