Research Topics - Photon-X Spectrum Lab @ CAMPUS Research Institute

Instrumentation & Technique Development

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab is preoccupied with the development of advanced instrumentation and innovative techniques in optical microscopy, nanoscopy, and spectroscopy. We seek to push the limits of optical imaging—both in spatial and temporal resolution and contrast—to enable the visualization and quantitative analysis of structures and processes at micro & nanoscale.

We are interested to combine optical system design, photonic engineering, and signal processing to create cutting-edge imaging and spectroscopic tools with enhanced performance and sensitivity. A key focus of our work is on multimodal and correlative methodologies, integrating optical microscopy with spectroscopic and scanning-probe techniques to achieve comprehensive structural and functional characterization of complex systems.

In parallel, we place an important focus on custom instrumentation, control electronics, and data-acquisition platforms that ensure precision, robustness, and adaptability. Through these developments, Photon-X Spectrum Lab aims to provide powerful experimental tools for advancing the study of dynamic biological systems, novel materials, and nanostructured environments with exceptional clarity and accuracy.

Three relevant publications:

Super-resolution re-scan second harmonic generation microscopy, Stanciu, S.G., Hristu, R., Stanciu, G.A., Tranca, D.E., Eftimie, L., Dumitru, A., Costache, M., Stenmark, H.A., Manders, H., Cherian, A. Tark-Dame, M., Manders, E.M.M., 2022. PNAS – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(47), p.e2214662119.

Correlative Imaging of Biological Tissues with Apertureless Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, S.G. Stanciu, Denis E. Tranca, Radu Hristu, George A. Stanciu, Biomedical Optics Express, 8 (12), 5374-5383 (2017)

Toward augmenting tip-enhanced nanoscopy with optically resolved scanning probe tips, Belhassen, J., Glass, S., Teblum, E., Stanciu, G.A., Tranca, D.E., Zalevsky, Z., Stanciu, S.G. and Karsenty, A., 2023. Advanced Photonics Nexus, 2(2), p.026002.

Tissue Imaging & Characterization

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab conducts research in tissue imaging and characterization using both CW & nonlinear laser scanning microscopy and conventional brightfield microscopy. Our work focuses on developing and applying advanced optical methods to investigate the structural, biochemical, and functional properties of biological tissues with high spatial resolution and contrast.

We utilize nonlinear imaging modalities—including multiphoton excitation, second-harmonic generation (SHG), and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)—to achieve label-free visualization of tissue architecture and molecular composition. Complementary brightfield and polarized light microscopy are employed for quantitative morphological and histological assessment.

By combining these approaches, we aim to establish correlative imaging strategies that link optical signatures to biological and pathological processes. Our efforts also involve instrument optimization, image analysis, and spectral characterization to enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable new insights into tissue organization, remodeling, and disease progression. Through this work, Photon-X Spectrum Lab strives to advance optical methodologies for non-invasive, high-content tissue analysis in biomedical research and clinical applications.

Three relevant publications:

Toward next-generation endoscopes integrating biomimetic video systems, nonlinear optical microscopy, and deep learning, Stanciu, S. G., König, K., Song, Y. M., Wolf, L., Charitidis, C. A., Bianchini, P., & Goetz, M. (2023). Biophysics Reviews, 4(2) (2023) (article featured on SciLight)

Automated Detection of Corneal Edema with Deep Learning-assisted Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy, Anton, S.R., Martínez-Ojeda, R.M., Hristu, R., Stanciu, G.A., Toma, A., Banica, C.K., Fernández, E.J., Huttunen, M.J., Bueno, J.M. and Stanciu, S.G., 2023.. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, vol. 29 (6), p.7201010

Experimenting Liver Fibrosis Diagnostic by Two Photon Excitation Microscopy and Bag-of-Features Image Classification, S.G. Stanciu, S. Xu, Q. Peng, J. Yan, G. A. Stanciu , R. E. Welsch, P.T.C. So, G. Csucs, H. Yu, Scientific Reports, 4, 4636, (2014).

Eukaryotic Cells Imaging & Characterization

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab focuses on high-resolution imaging and characterization of eukaryotic cells using complementary optical and scanning probe techniques, including confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy. Our research aims to uncover the structural, mechanical, and biochemical properties of living and fixed cells at the subcellular level.

Through fluorescence microscopy techniques (operating at micro and nanoscale), we visualize cellular organization and dynamic processes with precise spatial localization. Atomic force microscopy provides nanometer-scale topographical and mechanical information, allowing correlation between morphology and biophysical properties. Raman spectroscopy adds a label-free molecular fingerprint, revealing chemical composition and metabolic states without perturbing the cell.

By integrating these modalities, the Photon-X Spectrum Lab develops multimodal imaging strategies that combine optical and mechanical contrast to deliver a comprehensive view of cellular function and response. Our work advances both instrumental methodologies and data analysis frameworks, contributing to a deeper understanding of cellular physiology, material–cell interactions, and disease-related transformations.

Three relevant publications:

A Coronaviral Pore-Replicase Complex Links RNA Synthesis and Export from Double Membrane Vesicles. Chen, A., Lupan, A. M., Quek, R. T., Stanciu, S. G., Asaftei, M., Stanciu, G. A., Hardy, K.S., Almeida-Magalhaes, T., Silver, P., Mitchinson, T.J., & Salic, A. (2024). Science Advances, 10(45), adq9580, 2024.

Magneto-mechanical Therapeutic Effects and associated Cell Death Pathways of magnetic nanocomposites with distinct geometries, Yao, C., Yang, F., Zhang, J., Yao, J., Cao, Y., Peng, H., Stanciu, S.G., Charitidis, C.A. and Wu, A., 2023.. Acta Biomaterialia, vol. 161, pp. 238-249

“Double-punch” strategy against triple-negative breast cancer via a synergistic therapy of magneto-mechanical force enhancing NIR-II hypothermal ablation., Du, H., Yang, F., Yao, C., Lv, W., Peng, H., Stanciu, S.G., Stenmark, H.A., Song, Y.M., Jiang, B. and Wu, A., 2022. Biomaterials, 291, p.121868.

Prokaryotic Cells Imaging & Characterization

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab investigates the imaging and characterization of prokaryotic cells, with special focus on drug resistant bacteria such as those in the ESKAPE group, using advanced optical and nanoscale techniques to explore their structure, composition, and dynamics with high precision. Our research combines fluorescence and label-free microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy to achieve a multidimensional understanding of bacterial and archaeal systems.

Through high-resolution optical and AFM imaging, we analyze cell morphology, surface properties, and mechanical responses under varying environmental or physiological conditions. Raman spectroscopic mapping provides detailed insight into the molecular composition and metabolic state of individual cells without labeling or destruction.

By integrating these complementary methods, Photon-X Spectrum Lab develops correlative imaging workflows that link structural, chemical, and mechanical information at the single-cell level. Our goal is to advance the fundamental understanding of microbial physiology, biofilm formation, and cell–environment interactions, contributing to applications in biophotonics, microbiology, and antimicrobial research.

Three relevant publications:

Insights into the antibacterial properties of cancer theranostic zinc-dopped iron oxide ZnxFe3-XO4 nanoparticles. Asaftei, M., Lucidi, M., Anton, S. R., Tranca, D. E., Hristu, R., Wu, A., Yang, Y., Stanciu, G.A., Lazar, V., Ionita, M., Cincotti, G., Visca, P., Holban, A., Yang, F., Stanciu, S. G. (2025). Materials Today Communications, 44, 111962.

Characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii filamentous cells by Re-scan confocal microscopy and complementary fluorometric approaches, M.Lucidi, R. Hristu, L. Nichele, G.A. Stanciu, P. Visca, C.K.Banica, G. Cincotti, S.G. Stanciu, IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 27(5), 6801207 (2021)

STED nanoscopy of KK114-stained pathogenic bacteria, M. Lucidi, R. Hristu, L. Nichele, G.A. Stanciu, P. Visca, A.M Holban, S.G. Stanciu, G. Cincotti, Journal of Biophotonics, 13(9), e202000097, (2020)

Cell – Nanomaterials Interaction Analysis

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab explores the interactions between cells and functional nanomaterials using advanced optical and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Our research aims to elucidate the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur at the bio–nano interface, with implications for therapy, diagnostics, and theranostics.

We employ high-resolution optical microscopy, including confocal, nonlinear, and hyperspectral imaging, to visualize the uptake, distribution, and intracellular dynamics of nanomaterials within living cells. Complementary atomic force microscopy (AFM) and correlative imaging approaches provide nanoscale insights into changes in cell morphology, membrane mechanics, and material–cell interactions.

By integrating these methods, the Photon-X Spectrum Lab develops quantitative imaging and analytical frameworks that connect nanoscale properties of materials with their biological behavior and therapeutic performance. Our goal is to advance the understanding of nanomaterial–cell interactions and support the rational design of next-generation platforms for targeted drug delivery, optical diagnostics, and multifunctional theranostic applications.

Three relevant publications:

Antibacterial interactions of ethanol-dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, M. Asaftei, M. Lucidi, S. R. Anton, A.-F. Trompeta, R. Hristu, D.E. Tranca, E. Fiorentis, C. Cirtoaje, V. Lazar, G.A. Stanciu, G. Cincotti, P. Ayala, C.A. Charitidis, A. Holban, P. Visca, S.G. Stanciu (2024) ACS Omega, 9, 31, 33751–33764 (article featured on the front cover)

Photodynamic therapy with NIR-II probes: Review on state-of-the-art tools and strategies, Yang, Y., Jiang, S., Stanciu, S.G, Peng, H., Wu, A., & Yang, F. (2024). Materials Horizons, 11, 5815-5842

Fighting bacterial pathogens with carbon nanotubes: focused review of recent progress, Asaftei, M., Lucidi, M., Cirtoaje, C., Holban, A. M., Charitidis, C. A., Yang, F. Wu. A,., Stanciu, G.A., Saglam, O., Lazar, V., Visca, P., Stanciu, S.G., RSC Advances, 13(29), 19682-19694 (2023).

Advanced Materials Imaging & Characterization

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab conducts research on advanced functional materials designed for applications in medicine, sensing, electronics, and energy. Our work focuses on developing characterization workflows that can support and enhance the design, synthesis, and characterization of materials with tailored optical, electronic, and structural properties that enable enhanced performance and multifunctionality.

We explore nanostructured, hybrid, and photonic materials, including semiconductors, plasmonic systems, and responsive polymers, engineered to interact with light and matter in precise and controllable ways. Using a combination of optical spectroscopy, microscopy, and scanning probe techniques, we investigate their fundamental physical properties and functional responses under realistic operating conditions.

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab aims to bridge the gap between materials development and application, advancing technologies for biomedical diagnostics, environmental and chemical sensing, optoelectronic devices, and energy conversion systems. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we seek to establish new paradigms in material functionality, integration, and sustainability for next-generation photonic and energy solutions.

Three relevant publications:

On the spectral emission of MBBA embedded CdTe quantum dots.Cirtoaje, C., Anton, S. R., Ghidic, V., & Stanciu, S.G. (2025). Materials Letters, 384, 138031.

Investigations on the topography and micro-mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol thin-film composites reinforced with hardwood biocarbon particles, M. Zouari, S.G. Stanciu, J. Jakes, L. Marrot, E. Fiorentis, G.A. Stanciu, D. B. DeVallance, 2023, Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 27 (6), 5533-5540

Characterization of Nanostructured Materials by Locally Determining their Complex Permittivity with scattering-type Scanning Near Field Optical Microscopy, S.G. Stanciu, D.E. Tranca, L. Pastorino, S. Boi, Y.M. Song, Y.J. Yoo, S. Ishii, R. Hristu, F. Yang, G. Busetti, G.A. Stanciu, ACS Applied Nano Materials, 3, 2, 1250-1262 (2020)

Sensing

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab is dedicated to advancing optical sensing technologies with a focus on colorimetric detection and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based methods. Our research aims to develop highly sensitive, selective, and portable sensing platforms for applications in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and chemical analysis.

Through colorimetric sensing, we design and study materials and nanostructures that exhibit measurable color or spectral changes in response to chemical or biological stimuli. These systems enable simple, visual, and cost-effective detection of analytes without the need for complex instrumentation. In parallel, our work on surface plasmon resonance and localized SPR (LSPR) exploits the optical properties of metallic nanostructures to achieve real-time, label-free detection of molecular interactions at the nanoscale.

By integrating nanophotonic design, material engineering, and optical readout strategies, the Photon-X Spectrum Lab develops next-generation sensing tools that combine high sensitivity, rapid response, and scalability. Our goal is to expand the frontiers of optical biosensing and chemical sensing, providing robust and versatile solutions for emerging analytical challenges.

Three relevant publications:

DeepGT: Deep learning-based quantification of nanosized bioparticles in bright-field micrographs of Gires-Tournois biosensor, J. Kang, Y.J. Yoo, J.-H. Park, J. H. Ko, S. Kim, S.G. Stanciu, H.A. Stenmark, J. Lee, A. Al Mahmud, H.-G. Jeon, Y.M. Song, Nano Today, 52, 101968 (2023)

Gires-Tournois immunoassay platform for label-free bright-field imaging and facile quantification of bioparticles, Y.J. Yoo, J.H. Ko, G.J. Lee, J. Kang, M. S. Kim, S.G. Stanciu, H.H. Jeong, D.H. Kim, Y.M. Song, Advanced Materials, 34 (21), 2110003 (2022) (article featured on the front cover page)

Large-Area Virus Coated Ultra-Thin Colorimetric Sensors with a Highly Lossy Resonant Promoter for Enhanced Chromaticity, Y.J. Yoo, W-G. Kim, J.H. Ko, Y.J. Kim, Y. Lee, J.-M. Lee, S.G. Stanciu, J-W. Oh, Y.M. Song, Advanced Science, 7(18), 2000978, (2020) (article featured on the inside cover)

Artificial Intelligence Methods for Microscopy & Spectroscopy Data Analysis

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab focuses on developing and applying artificial intelligence (AI) methods for the analysis of microscopy and spectroscopy data, aiming to extract deeper insights from complex optical measurements. Our research integrates machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision techniques to enhance image quality, automate data interpretation, and uncover subtle patterns that are difficult to detect by conventional means.

We design AI algorithms for image reconstruction, denoising, segmentation, feature extraction, and spectral unmixing, enabling quantitative and high-throughput analysis of multidimensional datasets. By combining data-driven modeling with physical and optical priors, our approaches improve both accuracy and interpretability, facilitating reliable scientific discovery.

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab seeks to establish intelligent analytical pipelines that accelerate workflows in biophotonics, materials science, and spectroscopy-based diagnostics. Through these innovations, we aim to make AI-assisted microscopy and spectroscopy powerful, accessible tools for exploring complex biological and material systems at unprecedented levels of detail and precision.

Three relevant publications:

Multiphoton microscopy of the dermoepidermal junction and automated identification of dysplastic tissues with deep learning, M.J. Huttunen, R. Hristu, A. Dumitru, I. Floroiu, M. Costache, S.G. Stanciu, Biomedical Optics Express 11, 186-199 (2020)

Hybrid Machine Learning for Scanning Near-field Optical Spectroscopy, X. Chen, Z. Yao, S. Xu, A.S. McLeod, S.N.G. Corder, Y. Zhao, M. Tsuneto, H.A. Bechtel, M.C. Martin, G. L. Carr, M.M. Fogler, S.G. Stanciu, D.N. Basov, M. Liu, ACS Photonics, 8(10), 2987–2996 (2021)

Computational Photonics

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab advances research in computational photonics, with a focus on optical nanoscopy and nanophotonics across both far-field and near-field regimes. Its work combines theoretical modeling, data analysis, and experimental innovation to push the boundaries of optical resolution beyond the diffraction limit. In the far-field domain, the lab develops computational imaging and inverse-design algorithms, leveraging machine learning and physics-based simulations to reconstruct and enhance complex optical signals. In the near-field regime, it investigates plasmonic and dielectric nanostructures that localize and manipulate light at subwavelength scales, enabling ultra-sensitive spectroscopy and single-molecule detection. A central focus is the modeling and interpretation of nanoscopy data, using advanced numerical simulations and statistical frameworks to extract quantitative information from high-dimensional experimental datasets. In nanophotonics, the lab designs and optimizes photonic nanostructures, metasurfaces, and hybrid photonic–electronic systems for tailored light control and integration. Through the synergy of computation, modeling, and experiment, the Photon-X Spectrum Lab aims to advance optical imaging, sensing, and information processing at the nanoscale.

Three relevant publications:

Rapid Simulations of Hyperspectral Near-field Images of Three-dimensional Heterogeneous Surfaces, X. Chen, Z. Yao, S.G. Stanciu, D. N. Basov, R. Hillenbrand, M. Liu, Optics Express, 29(24), 39648-39668 (2021)

“Rapid simulations of hyperspectral near-field images of three-dimensional heterogeneous surfaces–part II.” X. Chen, Z. Yao, Z. Sun, S.G. Stanciu, D. N. Basov, R. Hillenbrand, M. Liu. Optics Express 30 (7), (2022).

Generic arrays of surface-positioned and shallow-buried gold multi-shapes as reference samples to benchmark near-field microscopes. Part 1: Applications in s-SNOM depth imaging, Kusnetz, B., Belhassen, J., Tranca, D. E., Stanciu, S. G., Anton, S. R., Zalevsky, Z., Stanciu, G.A. & Karsenty, A. (2024).. Results in Physics, 107318.

Virtual Microscopy

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab explores virtual microscopy powered by generative adversarial networks (GANs) to revolutionize the way microscopic images are generated, analyzed, and interpreted. Our research focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence and deep learning to create high-fidelity, data-driven representations of biological and material samples.

Using GAN-based architectures, we develop models capable of translating, enhancing, and synthesizing microscopy images across different modalities—such as converting brightfield to fluorescence-like images or generating high-resolution virtual reconstructions from limited data. These approaches enable label-free virtual staining, image restoration, and cross-modality prediction, reducing acquisition time and experimental complexity.

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab integrates machine learning with optical and computational microscopy, aiming to build intelligent imaging frameworks that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and interpretability in quantitative microscopy. Our goal is to advance AI-driven virtual imaging as a transformative tool for biomedical research, diagnostics, and digital pathology.

Relevant recent work:

Inferring scattering-type Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy Data from Atomic Force Microscopy Images. Stanciu, S. G., Anton, S. R., Tranca, D. E., Stanciu, G. A., Ionescu, B., Zalevsky, Z., Kusnetz, B., Belhassen, J., Karsenty, A.,Cincotti, G. (2025). arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.02982.

Open Data

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab is committed to advancing open data initiatives that support the development and benchmarking of computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) methods for microscopy and spectroscopy. Our work focuses on creating and curating high-quality, well-annotated datasets that capture the diversity and complexity of optical imaging and spectroscopic modalities.

We design standardized, accessible datasets that enable researchers to train, validate, and compare algorithms for image reconstruction, segmentation, feature extraction, and spectral analysis. These curated resources facilitate reproducibility, transparency, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within the microscopy and AI communities.

By integrating metadata-rich experimental records with ground-truth annotations and multimodal imaging data, the Photon-X Spectrum Lab contributes to building the foundations for robust, generalizable machine learning models in optical science. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate innovation in computational microscopy, automated analysis, and AI-assisted discovery, while promoting open, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles in scientific research.

Three relevant publications:

SSNOMBACTER: A collection of scattering-type Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy images of bacterial cells, M. Lucidi, D.E. Tranca; L. Nichele; D. Unay; G.A. Stanciu; P. Visca; A. M. Holban; R. Hristu; G. Cincotti; S.G. Stanciu, GigaScience, 9(11), 1-12 (2020)

HISTOBREAST, A Collection of Brightfield Microscopy Images of Haematoxylin – Eosin Stained Breast Tissue, R.M. Buga, T. Totu, A. Dumitru, M. Costache, I. Floroiu, N. Sladoje, S.G. Stanciu, Scientific Data, 7, 169 (2020)

PSHG-TISS: A collection of polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy images of fixed tissues.Hristu, R., Stanciu, S.G., Dumitru, A., Eftimie, L.G., Paun, B., Tranca, D.E., Gheorghita, P., Costache, M. and Stanciu, G.A., 2022. Scientific Data, 9(1), pp.1-12.

Communication of (nano)(bio)photonic technologies

The Photon-X Spectrum Lab is dedicated to the communication and dissemination of (nano)(bio)photonic technologies to a broad range of end users, stakeholders, and collaborators across scientific, industrial, medical, and educational domains. Our mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge photonic research and its practical applications by fostering understanding, accessibility, and adoption among audiences with diverse technical backgrounds.

We develop engaging communication strategies, demonstrative tools, and training materials that effectively convey the principles, capabilities, and impact of advanced optical and nanophotonic technologies. Through interactive workshops, visualization platforms, and interdisciplinary outreach, we aim to empower researchers, clinicians, engineers, and policymakers to leverage these technologies in their respective fields.

By emphasizing clarity, transparency, and collaboration, the Photon-X Spectrum Lab promotes knowledge transfer and innovation uptake, ensuring that developments in biophotonics, optical instrumentation, and nanotechnology translate into tangible benefits for healthcare, industry, education, and society at large.

(work in progress)