Using hybrid printed electronics technique, Holst Centre has developed a wearable optical sensor by integrating silicon photodiodes with multiple light sources and readout electronics into a lightweight and flexible patch. By recording optical signals from the skin using light sources with different wavelengths, our patch simultaneously measures signals from different skin depths. This provides advantages to overcome significant challenges in the field.
Our current R&D is focused on photoplethysmography (PPG) by recording optical signals from the illumination of the human tissue. Morphological features from the PPG signal can be translated into cardiovascular parameters of interest such as heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2).
Your challenge
Working in an interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientist (electrical engineering, material science, biomedical photonics) you will measure and analyse PPG signals using Holst Centre’s wearable optical sensor patch and existing software platforms. The challenges reside in:
obtaining reliable PPG signals and extracting morphological features from them
linking them to existing physical conditions of individuals, in particular with an interest in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Project goal
Gain a basic understanding of biomedical optics and of propagation of the light in the human tissue
Provide a literature review on commercial, FDA approved and clinical/gold standard research tools detailed within academic papers for comparison of optical devices.
Determine methodologies used for assessment/comparison of PPG signals within literature.
Acquire PPG signals with Holst Centre’s wearable optical patch and compare devices within specific methodologies
Communicate via presentations and report writing findings
Your tasks
As a team member your tasks will be:
Knowledge acquisition through literature survey, discussion with other team members, and internal seminars/colloquiums
Data acquisition through measurements
Analysis and presentation of experimental data
Documentation of results in a technical report or scientific publication
Presentation of results in internal seminars/colloquiums
Your Profile
A bachelor or a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics or related with both theoretical and experimental skills.
Knowledge in signal processing, filtering, calibration, data analysis using MATLAB/Python or other platforms
You have good communication skills in English
Independent but also a team player
Affinity for testing and validation
Affinity for biomedical photonics
Analytical skills – ability to make analysis of complex situation and make a plan forward
Have we sparked your interest? Then please send your application or any questions you may have to:
Razvan Petre (adrian-razvan.petre@tno.nl)