Beckman Laser Institute
Founder(s) | Arnold O. Beckman |
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Established | 1982 (foundation), 1986 (facility) |
Director | Thomas E. Milner |
Address | 1002 Health Sciences Rd., Irvine, CA 92617 |
Location | , , , United States of America |
Website | http://www.bli.uci.edu/ |
The Beckman Laser Institute (sometimes called the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic) is an interdisciplinary research center for the development of optical technologies and their use in biology and medicine. Located on the campus of the University of California, Irvine in Irvine, California, an independent nonprofit corporation was created in 1982, under the leadership of Michael W. Berns, and the actual facility opened on June 4, 1986.[1] It is one of a number of institutions focused on translational research, connecting research and medical applications.[2] Researchers at the institute have developed laser techniques for the manipulation of structures within a living cell, and applied them medically in treatment of skin conditions, stroke, and cancer, among others.
History
Around 1980, Michael W. Berns, a professor of biology at the University of California, Irvine, founded an institute focusing on the then-new technology of
Berns obtained the support of local philanthropists
The institute was established as an independent nonprofit corporation in 1982, under the leadership of Michael W. Berns.[3]: 328–331 The actual facility opened on June 4, 1986.[1]
The current director is Thomas E. Milner
Research
External videos | |
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From Benchtop to Beside: Take a tour of the Beckman Laser Institute, Beckman Laser | |
Inside the Beckman Laser Institute, CEN |
Early research into the use of lasers included the development of techniques for the manipulation of structures within a living cell. What Bern terms "Laser scissors" use short pulses of high irradiance to create targeted effects.
More advanced research has included optical techniques such as Multiphoton microscopy, Second-harmonic imaging microscopy, Photoacoustic tomography, nonlinear Raman spectroscopy, and diffuse optical spectroscopy.[8]
Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) can be used to obtain high-resolution, noninvasive images of thick biological tissues. Researchers are working on the development of small, portable multiphoton systems using femtosecond fiber lasers as a light source, for use in clinical applications and in vivo imaging.[9][10]
Raman spectroscopy uses Raman scattering of monochromatic light, causing changes in the energy level of a few molecules which then can be detected. Raman spectroscopy and other infrared techniques have been used to detect cancer lesions.[8]
Diffuse optical spectroscopy allows researchers to look deep within the body without disturbing tissue. This technique has been used to measure Haemodynamic response within the brain. A beam of near-infrared light is sent through optic fibers resting on the skin, and the scattering of light is measured, allowing researchers to assess the oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin within the brain's blood vessels.[8]
Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) is a reflectance technique that models absorption coefficients and reduced scattering coefficients in thick tissue.[11] SFDI can detect subsurface damage to bruised tissues such as the skin or brain by examining hemoglobin levels.[8] It can also be used to assess burn damage.[12]
Applications
External audio | |
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“Rethinking Ink”, Distillations Podcast Episode 220, Science History Institute |
Applications in
Judge David O. Carter has worked with Michael W. Berns, J. Stuart Nelson and others at the Beckman Laser Institute to develop an innovative program that helps parolees to reintegrate into society by having gang tattoos removed. The removal of visible tattoos on the face, neck and hands increases people's potential to be hired, gaining an income and a sense of purpose.[15]
Faculty
Faculty at the Beckman Laser Institute have included:[22]
- J. Stuart Nelson[13]
- Petra Wilder-Smith[20]
References
- ^ a b c "Beckman Laser Institute Will Open to Public Today". Los Angeles Times. June 4, 1986. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ Nelson, Amy (20 January 2014). "New Photonics West Translational Research program advances technologies for healthcare". SPIE. Connecting Minds, Enhancing Light. SPIE. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-941901-23-9.
- ^ a b c Berns, Michael W. "Founder's Column". Beckman Laser Institute. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- ^ Kucher, Karen (October 25, 1986). "Irvine : Beckman Laser Institute Receives $175,000 Grant". Orange County Digest. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ "Michael W. Berns receives Lifetime Achievement Award". Beckman Laser Institute. January 2006. Archived from the original on 11 September 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- PMID 9532771. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ doi:10.1021/cen-09001-scitech. Archived from the original(PDF) on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- PMID 19566289.
- PMID 20635426.
- PMID 24005154.
- ^ Johnson, Pete (1989). "Answers about plastic surgery". Orange Coast Magazine. June 1989: 221–223. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Beckman Laser/UCI's New Treatment/Diagnostic Center". Birthmarks.com. Archived from the original on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ Hofmann, Jan (June 11, 1991). "Laser's Just a Tool--Not a Magic Wand, Expert Says". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ a b Klett, Joseph (2018). "Second Chances". Distillations. 4 (1). Science History Institute: 12–23. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
- ^ Kass, Jeff (November 6, 1996). "Leaving Signs of Trouble Behind". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- PMID 19405762.
- .
- PMID 24686168.
- ^ a b Vasich, Tom (August 31, 2015). "Better than biopsies". UCI News. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ Cruz, Sherri (November 29, 2013). "Beckman's portable laser breast scanner detects cancer and guides treatment". The Orange County Register. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ "Faculty". Beckman Laser Institute. Archived from the original on 30 October 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2015.