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Measuring Biological Structures and Functions with Light

We exploit dual-faceted optical manipulation technologies (i.e., manipulation by light and manipulation of light) in optical spectroscopy and microscopy to unveil biological structures and functions with high sensitivity, resolution and speed. Leveraging optical rotation and machine learning in standard optical microscopy, we achieve volumetric imaging and accurate classification of organisms. Four-dimensional adhesion frequency assay enables comprehensive profiling of cell-cell interactions. Surface-enhanced chiroptical spectroscopy coupled with optical manipulation allows label-free ultrasensitive enantiodiscrimination of chiral molecules. These advances push the boundaries of optical measurement in biology, while offering new opportunities for space life detection, pharmaceutical quality control, and disease diagnosis.