Prof Jianan Qu of Electronic and Computer Engineering has just been elected a Fellow of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE) for his achievements in Biomedical Optics (optical diagnosis of early cancer, multiphoton spectroscopy and imaging).

Prof Qu has made significant contributions to the field of biomedical optics, especially in the optical the areas of the optical diagnosis of early cancer and multiphoton spectroscopy. His significant research discoveries have pioneered a variety of highly innovative technologies that pave the road for the translation of advanced optical technologies to molecular bio-imaging and clinical applications. His group discovered that under physiological conditions, hemoglobin emits strong fluorescence of an extremely short lifetime via two-photon excitation, and demonstrated that hemoglobin can be used as an endogenous contrast agent for label-free imaging of microvascular networks and for noninvasive monitoring of microcirculatory functions in living biological systems. His deep understanding of interactions of electromagnetic wave with biological tissue combined with optical design/instrumentation and clinical imaging technology allows for the derivation of an elegant relationship between the diffuse reflection and fluorescence from tissue, and most importantly the development of a novel quantitative fluorescence imaging technology for the detection of diseased tissue.

A prolific author, Prof Qu has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, given over 25 invited talks at major international scientific conferences, and over 40 invited national and international lectures. He has provided leadership to the community as a program committee member, theme chair, program subcommittee members, technical program committee member, executive committee member, and session chair. He has also served as a journal reviewer, topical editor, and associate editor. His research has garnered numerous grants and two patents.

Prof Qu has been a member of SPIE since 1994 and currently serves as an editorial board member of the Journal of Biomedical Optics. He has also organized BiOS conferences at Photonics West and promotes SPIE in Asia.

SPIE is an international society for optics and photonics. The society's membership includes over 17,000 professionals, students, and organizations. Fellows are Members of distinction who have made significant scientific and technical contributions in the multidisciplinary fields of optics, photonics, and imaging. They are honored for their technical achievement, for their service to the general optics community, and to SPIE in particular.