Joseph A. Izatt

Michael J. Fitzpatrick Distinguished Professor of Engineering

My research centers on the development and application of cutting-edge optical technologies for non-invasive, high-resolution imaging and sensing in living biological tissues. Our laboratory is recognized for foundational contributions to optical coherence-based approaches for in vivo sub-surface microscopic tissue imaging, particularly optical coherence tomography (OCT) which has become a standard of care in ophthalmology and other clinical specialties. The technologies we employ include adaptive-optic devices, femtosecond lasers, ultrabroadband fiber optic telecommunications equipment, robots and robotic manipulators, high performance computing, and 3D display technologies. Together with our collaborators, we have developed and deployed multiple hand-held and intrasurgical systems for real-time volumetric imaging of the human eye, visualized using virtual/augmented reality displays and coupled to image-guided robotic microsurgical procedures. Our research team includes a rich and diverse group of highly motivated and productive undergraduate, MS and PhD students, staff and associated faculty along with multiple collaborations with engineers, biologists, and physicians at Duke and elsewhere.

Appointments and Affiliations

• Michael J. Fitzpatrick Distinguished Professor of Engineering
• Professor of Biomedical Engineering
• Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering
• Professor in Ophthalmology
• Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
• Core Faculty in Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Contact Information

• Office Location: 1427 Fciemas, Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708
• Office Phone: (919) 660-5128
• Email Address: joseph.izatt@duke.edu
• Websites:
  • Google Scholar Profile
  • Research Group Website

Education

• Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1991

Research Interests

Biomedical optics and spectroscopy, coherence-based imaging and microscopy, novel instrumentation for minimally invasive medical diagnostics, and real-time image-guided robotic microsurgery.

Awards, Honors, and Distinctions

• Stephen D. Fantone Distinguished Service Award. Optica (formerly OSA). 2022
• Fellow. National Academy of Inventors. 2017
• Graduate Dean's Award for Excellence in Mentoring. Duke University. 2017
• Fellow (NAI). National Academy of Inventors. 2017
• Fellow. Optical Society of America. 2009
• Capers and Marion McDonald Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Advising. Pratt School of Engineering. 2008
• Fellow. International Society for Optics and Photonics. 2008
• Fellow. American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. 2007

Courses Taught

• BME 436L: Biophotonic Instrumentation (DR)
• BME 493: Projects in Biomedical Engineering (GE)
• BME 671L: Signal Processing and Applied Mathematics
• BME 791: Graduate Independent Study
• BME 792: Continuation of Graduate Independent Study
• ECE 392: Projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• ECE 493: Projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• ECE 494: Projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• ECE 899: Special Readings in Electrical Engineering

In the News

• Cynthia Toth's 25-Years of Revolutionizing Eye Care and Surgery (Oct 14, 2022 | School of Medicine Magnify)
• How Eye Imaging Technology Could Help Robots and Cars See Better (Mar 31, 2022 | Pratt School of Engineering)
• New Computational Tools Provide Better Medical Images in Living Tissues (Aug 27, 2019 | Pratt School of Engineering)
• Three Engineers Named to National Academy of Inventors (Dec 13, 2017)
• Joseph A. Izatt, 2017 Dean’s Award Winner (Mar 10, 2017 | The Graduate School)
• New handheld device could allow for easy retina imaging in children (Aug 10, 2016 | WUNC)
• Acquisition of Spin-out Company Bioptigen to Bring Duke Imaging Technology to New Markets (Jul 28, 2015)

Representative Publications

• Carrasco-Zevallos, OM; Keller, B; Viehland, C; Shen, L; Waterman, G; Todorich, B; Shieh, C; Hahn, P; Farsiu, S; Kuo, AN; Toth, CA; Izatt, JA, Live volumetric (4D) visualization and guidance of in vivo human ophthalmic surgery with intraoperative optical coherence tomography., Scientific Reports, vol 6 (2016) [10.1038/srep31689] [abs].