PhD Title: Pushing the boundaries of resolution of biological objects by electron microscopy with GPU-enhanced ptychography

PhD Supervisor: Peng Wang (Physics)

Ptychography is an emerging computational microscopy technique used to acquire images with resolution beyond the limits imposed by the lenses in conventional low temperature (cryo-) electron microscopy (EM). It is known for its super-resolution and high contrast even in noisy conditions and has come about because of developments in sophisticated modelling and computational analysis. In particular, Single Particle Analysis (SPA) software is used to reconstruct exquisitely detailed 3D images of biological objects (the particles). In this project we will enhance the analysis still further by integrating GPU-enhanced ptychography into the SPA framework. This will enable us to overcome some current limitations in resolving small biological objects, such as proteins and enable researchers to work with diverse imaging modes. The advance will significantly enhance data quality, and push the boundaries of resolution. In summary this project will focus on developing new software with GPU acceleration to provide a more precise way of achieving 3D reconstructions of biological objects.