'Using the Force: Lasers Under the Microscope' - Cafe Science event on Monday, 27th January

Published On Thu 23 Jan 2014 by Grant Hill

Ground-breaking research into the use of light in science and medicine carried out at the University of Dundee will be explored at the next Cafe Science event.

Dr David McGloin, from the University's School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics, will be discussing the use of a technique called optical tweezers in an amazing range of applications at Avery & Co, South Tay Street, on Monday, 27th January 2014 at 7pm.

The Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell first predicted that light had the ability to exert forces on matter over 100 years ago. With the invention of the laser in the 20th century the ability of light to move tiny objects was observed in laboratories across the world.

'In my talk, I will discuss the physics of how it is possible to move microscopic particles using light,' explained Mr McGloin. 'From there I will use examples from some of Dundee's innovations that allow us to study inside our bodies and our environment by using optical tweezers, which are laser beams that can trap and manipulate microscopic particles using nothing but light.'

As well as exploring fundamental methods of shaping light, Dr McGloin's research looks at different application areas, such as a project looking at cellular adhesions with colleagues at the University's School of Medicine. This sees optical resolution deployed to examine how white blood cells bind to blood vessel walls and looking at how diseased cells compare with healthy cells.

Dr McGloin received worldwide media attention when his love of computer games led him to think of new uses for the optical tweezers, which use highly focused laser beams to trap, move and rotate particles as small as cells. Using the Microsoft Kinect's pioneering motion-sensor system, he and his team showed how the popular video game consoles can enhance technology used to carry out important laser investigations.

Dr McGloin's group are also making use of laser technology to examine how microscopic particles interact with the environment, especially how aerosols interact and evolve at an individual level, with one specific focus on biofuel properties.

Cafe Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted more than 5000 visitors since then. The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science at the Universities of Dundee, St Andrews and Abertay, the James Hutton Institute, and Dundee Science Centre.

'Using the Force: Lasers Under the Microscope' takes place at Avery & Co, South Tay Street, from 7pm on Monday, 27th January. The event is free and open to all. There is no need to book in advance but an early arrival is recommended.

More information is available at www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277