Holographic imaging optimizes medical technology with light

Hidden deep in the brain are indications of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But how can these abnormalities be visualized without taking tissue samples? The solution could lie in holographic imaging through single, hair-thin glass fibres, 0.1 mm in diameter. This innovative method is now being driven forward by advanced light-shaping techniques that will enable high-resolution, minimally invasive medical images.

Prof. Tomáš Čižmár, Head of the Department of Fiber Research and Technology at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena, is researching how light not only illuminates, but could also take diagnostics to a new level. His work demonstrates the potential of holographic systems to visualize microscopic structures in great detail. In 2024, the company DeepEn GmbH was founded as a spin-off of the Holographic Endoscopy Group at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) in Jena. Start-ups such as DeepEn are putting this development into practice and optimizing image quality and data analysis for research and clinical use. Together, they are driving the next generation of medical imaging by combining endoscopic techniques with holographic imaging to enable more precise and less invasive diagnoses.

Holographic imaging uses the precise control of light patterns to create highly detailed images - a new approach for endoscopy and microscopy. "In our systems, we use advanced algorithms to guide light through complex environments, such as multimode optical fibers, enabling high-resolution imaging in areas that traditional optics cannot reach," explains Prof. Cizmar. Using hair-thin endoscopes, the technology reaches deep tissue structures without major interventions.

While clinical applications are still in development, Prof. Cizmar sees the greatest potential in neuroscience. "Our primary target is Neuroscience, specifically unveiling secrets of the brain and searching for combat strategies against severe diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s," he says. A long-term goal is to use spectroscopic methods to enable light-based biopsies - i.e. chemical contrast images without removing tissue. This could replace conventional, time-consuming histopathological examinations and speed up diagnosis considerably.

While research is pushing the boundaries of what is possible, DeepEn is transforming highly complex light control from cutting-edge research into reliable technology for routine laboratory applications.

The company, a spin-off of the Leibniz IPHT (Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology), develops high-resolution microendoscopy tools for neuroscience and biomedical research. Its NeuroDeep® platform combines holographic imaging with extremely thin endoscopes to examine deep tissue in a minimally invasive way and is already used in several laboratories across Europe.

"Our endoscopes deliver sub-cellular resolution and enable monitoring of neuronal activity - crucial for research into diseases such as Parkinson's," says Dr. Stergey Turtaev, CEO of DeepEn Imaging.

DeepEn is working closely with research institutions to further develop the technology for clinical applications. An important milestone is that the EIC Transition Program (European Innovation Council) granted funding to a strong consortium of three European research institutes and DeepEn for the three-year NeuroGate project at the beginning of 2025. The European Union's funding program supports the implementation of innovative technologies and research results into marketable products and services. The cooperation with the Leibniz IPHT, the Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders (NERF) research center and the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ISI-CAS) is driving forward the development of holographic endoscopy for research and clinical applications.

From basic research to clinical application - holographic imaging could have a major impact on diagnostics. Through targeted light modulation and intelligent data processing, diseases can be identified earlier and treated more precisely. Collaborations between science and companies such as DeepEn Imaging show how technologies developed in public-private partnerships will shape the medicine of the future.