TMU Photonics Group: Biomedical Physics and Computational Healthcare Simulation
The TMU Photonics Group, led by Prof. Alexandre (Sasha) Douplik, conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Biomedical Physics and Computational Healthcare Simulation, employing optics, photonics, and multiphysics modelling as its principal scientific and technological tools. The Group develops new approaches for biomedical imaging, diagnostics, therapy, physiological monitoring, and image-guided and simulation-assisted surgical and clinical procedures.
The Group operates through two closely integrated research facilities located within a 7–8-minute walk of each other. The TMU Campus Photonics Lab (Dry Lab) is located on the second floor of Kerr Hall East at Toronto Metropolitan University, while the St. Michael’s Hospital Photonics Lab (Wet & Clinical Lab) is located at the Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), within the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital.
The TMU Campus Photonics Lab occupies more than 150 m² and serves as the Group’s primary facility for developing optical and optoelectronic systems, computational models, software, instrumentation, and experimental prototypes. Its infrastructure includes optical and mechanical components, electronic instrumentation, lasers and broadband light sources, biomedical and industrial microscopes, holographic systems, scientific cameras, signal generators, fibre-optic systems, and high-performance computers for numerical modelling, simulation, image reconstruction, and data analysis.
The St. Michael’s Hospital Photonics Lab supports wet-laboratory and translational research and provides an environment for connecting technology development with biomedical and clinical applications. The facility includes a multiwavelength refractometer and chemical laboratory workstations and provides access to advanced spectroscopic instrumentation, clean production facilities, cell culture laboratories, and preclinical research infrastructure.
Research Approach
Prof. Douplik’s Group develops projects in Biomedical Physics and Computational Healthcare Simulation, with particular emphasis on the integration of experimental optics and photonics with computational modelling. Multiphysics models are used to simulate light–tissue interactions together with relevant mechanical, thermal, electrical, acoustic, physiological, and fluid-dynamic processes. This combined experimental–computational approach supports the development and optimization of technologies for imaging, diagnostics, therapy, physiological monitoring, surgical guidance, and healthcare simulation.
The Group’s research strategy is driven by clearly defined and clinically relevant healthcare challenges. Research problems are typically identified and developed in close collaboration with clinical and industrial partners, ensuring that technological development remains connected to practical healthcare needs and pathways toward translation and commercialization.
Each graduate student leads an individual research project focused on developing and validating an original biomedical technology or a computational healthcare simulation approach. As projects evolve and additional researchers contribute, individual intellectual and experimental contributions are formally recognized through authorship and intellectual property processes. Graduate projects are expected to generate substantive research outcomes, including patent applications, intellectual property disclosures, and peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Translation and Commercialization
Technology translation and commercialization are integral components of the Group’s research culture. Students are encouraged to explore pathways for transforming research outcomes into practical healthcare technologies and entrepreneurial ventures. Commercialization activities are personally supported by Prof. Douplik and may draw on Toronto Metropolitan University's broader innovation ecosystem, including Lab2Market, business development resources, and the TMU Zones infrastructure.
Through the integration of Biomedical Physics, Computational Healthcare Simulation, Optics, and Multiphysics Modelling, the TMU Photonics Group aims to advance clinically relevant technologies from fundamental physical concepts and computational models toward experimental prototypes, validation, intellectual property development, and real-world healthcare applications.