MasterNanosciences, nanotechnologies

Inspired from localization-based super-resolution optical imaging techniques [1], ultrasound localization microscopy provides super-resolution images based on the detection of ultrasound contrast agents [2]. Ultrasound contrast agents consist generally of encapsulated air bubble, with possibly very large scattering cross-sections with respect to their size. Beyond localization imaging of exogenous stable contrast agents, cavitation events may also be localized with a similar approach. At the LIPhy, previous experiments demonstrated the existence of ultrasonic emission linked to the nucleation of single bubbles in wood and plants [3, 4]. Thanks to state-of-the-art multi-channel ultrasound electronics available in the laboratory, we now want to apply ultrasound localization microscopy to image cavitation bubbles in plants, such as in leaves or wood.
In this project, the main objective is to develop an experimental setup to localize and image cavitation events in plants. In particular, custom ultrasound 2D array, driven by a state-of-art ultrasound electronics, will be used to perform 3D ultrasound localization microscopy.

Expected skills

The project is adapted to master students following the tracks : M1 Soft Matter and Biophysics - M1 Applied Mechanics - Phelma Biomedical Engineering.
It can be carried out as part of a research intensive track, as M1 or M2 internships, or as part of Graduate Schools requirements. Students with a physics or mechanics/acoustics background are welcome to apply. Python and/or Matlab programming skills and a basic knowledge on wave propagation principles are required.

Bibliography:

[1] https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2014/press-release/
[2] Errico, C., Pierre, J., Pezet, S., Desailly, Y., Lenkei, Z., Couture, O., & Tanter, M. (2015). Ultrafast ultrasound localization microscopy for deep super-resolution vascular imaging. Nature, 527(7579), 499-502.
[3] Ponomarenko, A., Vincent, O., Pietriga, A., Cochard, H., Badel, É., & Marmottant, P. (2014). Ultrasonic emissions reveal individual cavitation bubbles in water-stressed wood. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 11(99), 20140480.
[4] Brodribb, T. J., Bienaimé, D., & Marmottant, P. (2016). Revealing catastrophic failure of leaf networks under stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(17), 4865-4869.