ULTRAfast Glass-based lasers (ULTRA-Glass)

Femtosecond lasers are seeing wide adoption across a growing number of applications due to their ability to deliver precise high peak intensity energy. For microscopy high-resolution images are achievable and in micromachining high fidelity material processing with reduced recast and microcracking is enabled. Ultrafast lasers are increasingly taking over roles from other laser types and enabling new levels of precision in emerging and high value industries. A key restriction in the adoption of this leading tool is its prohibitively high price for wide adoption and many yet unexplored applications. Recently Fibre lasers have witnessed high growth as they have supplied a lower cost offering than traditional crystal based systems. Fibre lasers however suffer high levels of dispersion and restricted output powers. The aim of the present project is to investigate novel glass based laser system that could present a lower cost offering than Fibre lasers and disrupt the market. The aim of this project is to deliver a prototype glass based ultrafast laser that is low cost and demonstrate it in microscopy, where MSL has strong links, and micromachining that represents a large market and impact. Additionally the project will result in the establishment of a UK based supply chain.