Photonics for Cultures

This University of Auckland-led project, supported by researchers from the University of Otago, aims to use non-destructive optical methods to (i) characterise bacterial biofilms and (ii) study cultural and natural heritage artefacts. Bacterial biofilms can be used for good, but can also constitute a significant health and safety issue, hence it is important to develop better understanding of growth or death in relation to various stimuli. This project will use a host of optical techniques - including OCT, optical tweezers, and Raman spectroscopy - to generate multifaceted information that can be collectively used to study the effect of various treatments on biofilm formation or degradation. The project will also use non-destructive optical techniques (particularly OCT and spectroscopy) to study cultural and natural heritage artefacts. It will enable to develop a better understanding of these objects and their significance as well as facilitate their conservation. The project will work closely with museums and private collectors in Aotearoa to source items of interest for case studies.