Dr. Robb completed an integrated Master’s degree in Natural Sciences, followed by a PhD in Physics, both at the University of Bath. Robb work focuses on the development of ultra-thin optical fibres designed for medical imaging. These fibres are flexible strands of glass, each approximately the width of a human hair. While similar in principle to the fibre optic cables that underpin global communications, they are engineered to perform in a very different environment: the complex and constrained spaces within the lung.
Work in MicroTex
Within MicroTex, Robb is developing fibres that are not only smaller in diameter but also capable of producing higher-quality images. This dual objective is critical. In areas such as the distal lung, access is limited by extremely narrow and delicate anatomical pathways. Traditional imaging tools are often too large or too rigid to navigate these regions effectively.
By reducing the size of the optical fibres, Robb’s work enables deeper and more precise navigation within the lung. At the same time, improving image quality ensures that the data collected is meaningful: supporting both diagnosis and the evaluation of therapeutic effects at the site of disease.
The importance of Robb’s work in MicroTex
The impact of this work extends beyond access alone. Smaller imaging fibres create additional space within medical devices, enabling the integration of complementary tools for delivery, sensing, or sampling. This is particularly important in the development of multifunctional platforms, where precision and compactness must coexist.
Importantly, these fibres cannot be sourced as standard, off-the-shelf components. The constraints of the lung—its structure, scale, and sensitivity—require a bespoke approach. By designing and fabricating these fibres specifically for MicroTex applications, Robb and the team are also able to explore new imaging methods that are not possible with commercially available technologies.