The mission of the PROBE lab is to develop novel instruments and technologies that would help solve problems of significance to both biology and nanotechnology, particularly as they impact society. To achieve this, we explore various aspects of optical physics and develop technologies compatible with optical microscopy that harness the various degrees-of-freedom of light. A summary of some of our most recent projects can be found under the topics of biophotonics, nanophotonics, and the optics toolshed.