Dr. Oleg Mikhajlov

Dr Oleg Mikhajlov

Postdoc

Sciences II, 358B
+41223796494
E-mail

EDUCATION/ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

PhD in Physics - Institut Curie, Paris

Master of Science and Engineering - MINES ParisTech, Paris

Bachelor in Physics - Saint Petersburg State University, 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 structural pigments, acting as Bragg mirrors to generate color through thin-film interference. However, the mechanism behind crystal stacking and its role in structural color formation remain poorly understood.

In this project, we aim to unravel the principles governing guanine crystal stacking by studying both its composition and the forces driving its organization. Using 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 analytical and numerical models to simulate light reflection. These models allow us to investigate how variations in stack geometry influence optical properties, providing insights into the biophysical mechanisms of structural color formation in zebrafish.

By combining experimental and computational approaches, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of biologically derived optical materials, with potential applications in bio-inspired photonics.