Dr. Oleg Mikhajlov
Dr Oleg Mikhajlov
Postdoc
Sciences II, 358B
+41223796494
E-mail
听
education/Academic background
PhD in Physics -听Institut Curie, Paris
Master of Science and Engineering -听MINES ParisTech, Paris
Bachelor in Physics -听Saint Petersburg听State AV短视频,听Saint Petersburg
PROJECT
Investigating Structural Color in Zebrafish Iridophores
Iridescent colors in zebrafish arise from light interference on guanine crystal stacks within specialized iridophore cells. These stacks function as听structural pigments, acting as Bragg mirrors to generate color through thin-film interference. However, the mechanism behind听crystal stacking听and its role in structural color formation remain poorly understood.
In this project, we aim to听unravel the principles governing guanine crystal stacking听by studying both its听composition and the forces driving its organization. Using听optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and reflectance microscopy, we analyze crystal interactions within the stacks.
To further explore this system, we perturb specific stack components and develop听analytical and numerical models听to simulate light reflection. These models allow us to investigate how variations in stack geometry influence optical properties, providing insights into the听biophysical mechanisms of structural color formation听in zebrafish.
By combining experimental and computational approaches, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of听biologically derived optical materials, with potential applications in bio-inspired photonics.