George Barbastathis

Professor George Barbastathis has established an internationally-recognized research program in three-dimensional (3D) optical engineering. His research activities are centered on information optics—the processing and analysis of information by systems composed of optical, mechanical, and computational elements. Professor Barbastathis’ work is focused on fundamental research and application development within two principal areas. The first is digital holography and volume holography for imaging of complex biological and fluidic systems. The second is subwavelength optical engineering using novel 3D assembly methods, such as nanostructured origami. Nanostructured origami leverages precision patterning by two-dimensional lithography with folding to achieve 3D structures primarily for optics, but also for sensing and energy storage. Professor Barbastathis developed and popularized an optics curriculum within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His joint undergraduate/ graduate course 2.71/2.710 has been offered continuously for a decade now, attracting students from across the School of Engineering and other schools at MIT.