The development of medical optical imaging techniques has provided effective research tools to investigate many fundamental processes in the life sciences. In most cases, optical detection requires exogenous agent to either provide a signal readout or enhance image contrast. Our group develops a variety of imaging probes and multifunctional platforms to explore pressing biomedical problems. Our current research is focused on the development of fluorescent probes, biosensors, and spectroscopic and imaging techniques for biomedical applications.