Photoacoustic imaging has many advantages in ophthalmic application including high-resolution, requirement of no exogenous contrast agent, and noninvasive acquisition of both morphologic and functional information. However, due to the limited depth of focus of the imaging method and large curvature of the eye, it remains a challenge to obtain high quality vascular image of entire anterior segment. Here, we proposed a new method to achieve high quality imaging of anterior segment. The new method applied a curvature imaging strategy based on only one time scanning, and hence is time efficient and more suitable for ophthalmic imaging compared to previously reported methods using similar strategy. A custom-built photoacoustic imaging system was adapted for ophthalmic application and a customized image processing method was developed to quantitatively analyze both morphologic and functional information in vasculature of the anterior segment. The results showed that the new method improved the image quality of anterior segment significantly compared to that of conventional high resolution photoacoustic imaging. More importantly, we applied the new method to study ophthalmic disease in an in vivo mouse model for the first time. The results verified the suitability and advantages of the new method for imaging the entire anterior segment and the numerous potentials of applying it in ophthalmic imaging in future.

The realization of high-Q resonances in a silicon metasurface with various broken-symmetry blocks is reported. Theoretical analysis reveals that the sharp resonances in the metasurfaces originate from symmetry-protected bound in the continuum (BIC) and the magnetic dipole dominates these peculiar states. A smaller size of the defect in the broken-symmetry block gives rise to the resonance with a larger Q factor. Importantly, this relationship can be tuned by changing the structural parameter, resulting from the modulation of the topological configuration of BICs. Consequently, a Q factor of more than 3,000 can be easily achieved by optimizing dimensions of the nanostructure. At this sharp resonance, the intensity of the third harmonic generation signal in the patterned structure can be 368 times larger than that of the flat silicon film. The proposed strategy and underlying theory can open up new avenues to realize ultrasharp resonances, which may promote the development of the potential meta-devices for nonlinearity, lasing action, and sensing.

Significant optical engineering advances at the University of Arizona are being made for design, fabrication, and construction of next generation astronomical telescopes. This summary review paper focuses on the technological advances in three key areas. First is the optical fabrication technique used for constructing next-generation telescope mirrors. Advances in ground-based telescope control and instrumentation comprise the second area of development. This includes active alignment of the laser truss-based Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) prime focus camera, the new MOBIUS modular cross-dispersion spectroscopy unit used at the prime focal plane of the LBT, and topological pupil segment optimization. Lastly, future space telescope concepts and enabling technologies are discussed. Among these, the Nautilus space observatory requires challenging alignment of segmented multi-order diffractive elements. The OASIS terahertz space telescope presents unique challenges for characterizing the inflatable primary mirror, and the Hyperion space telescope pushes the limits of high spectral resolution, far-UV spectroscopy. The Coronagraphic Debris and Exoplanet Exploring Pioneer (CDEEP) is a Small Satellite (SmallSat) mission concept for high-contrast imaging of circumstellar disks and exoplanets using vector vortex coronagraph. These advances in optical engineering technologies will help mankind to probe, explore, and understand the scientific beauty of our universe.