Harnessing Photonic Technologies for Deep-Tissue Imaging
Lead Research Organisation:
Heriot-Watt University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Abstract
Multi-photon imaging is a ubiquitous tool in life sciences research, where pulsed tuneable lasers are required for precision microscopy. The majority of multi-photon imaging research employs two-photon fluorescent techniques, however three-photon fluorescence is emerging as a powerful instrument for deep-tissue (> 1mm) imaging as it offers reduced tissue scattering and enables access to a wide variety of fluorescent dyes and proteins. Non-destructive and non-invasive high-resolution imaging of cells through surrounding tissue and bone would be groundbreaking for research into areas including regenerative medicine and leukemia.
The ideal three-photon excitation source is a low repetition frequency, high-energy femtosecond laser tuneable in the near-infrared with low average power to avoid tissue heating. The laser industry is focused on the two-photon imaging market, serviced by well-proven ~100MHz fixed wavelength and tunable sources. Three-photon excitation systems based on optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs) are available from select manufacturers, however these are highly inefficient and are prohibitively expensive for the majority of research facilities.
A collaboration between an industrial laser manufacturer (Chromacity, UK) and STFC-funded academic research in photonics (McCracken, Heriot-Watt University), this project will demonstrate prototype cost-efficient lasers for three-photon microscopy, addressing this customer-driven demand by exploring two novel laser architectures to realize few-MHz optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), pumped by Chromacity's robust fiber laser technology. We will combine patented HWU IP in the generation of few-MHz high-energy OPO pulses with know-how in the construction of dispersion- controlled compact cavities to develop a commercial alternative to the dominant market offering.
Working directly with early-adopters (Packer, Oxford; Lo Celso, Imperial; Williams, Edinburgh) and industrial beneficiaries (Scientifica), we will evaluate our OPO and develop it to a level where it can be brought to market in a compressed timeframe.
The ideal three-photon excitation source is a low repetition frequency, high-energy femtosecond laser tuneable in the near-infrared with low average power to avoid tissue heating. The laser industry is focused on the two-photon imaging market, serviced by well-proven ~100MHz fixed wavelength and tunable sources. Three-photon excitation systems based on optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs) are available from select manufacturers, however these are highly inefficient and are prohibitively expensive for the majority of research facilities.
A collaboration between an industrial laser manufacturer (Chromacity, UK) and STFC-funded academic research in photonics (McCracken, Heriot-Watt University), this project will demonstrate prototype cost-efficient lasers for three-photon microscopy, addressing this customer-driven demand by exploring two novel laser architectures to realize few-MHz optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), pumped by Chromacity's robust fiber laser technology. We will combine patented HWU IP in the generation of few-MHz high-energy OPO pulses with know-how in the construction of dispersion- controlled compact cavities to develop a commercial alternative to the dominant market offering.
Working directly with early-adopters (Packer, Oxford; Lo Celso, Imperial; Williams, Edinburgh) and industrial beneficiaries (Scientifica), we will evaluate our OPO and develop it to a level where it can be brought to market in a compressed timeframe.
Publications
Robarts S
(2023)
GPU-accelerated full-field modelling of highly dispersive ultrafast optical parametric oscillators
in Optics Express
Hunter DE
(2021)
Ultrashort-pulsed optical parametric oscillator employing Brewster angle prism retroreflectors.
in Optics express
Hunter DE
(2023)
Brewster mirror ultrafast optical parametric oscillator with high precision wavelength tuning.
in Optics express
Ejidike I
(2022)
Modelling two-laser asynchronous optical sampling using a single 2-section semiconductor mode-locked laser diode.
in Optics express
Allan E
(2021)
Modelling Dispersion Compensation in a Cascaded-Fiber-Feedback Optical Parametric Oscillator
in Optics
Description | Capital call for ST/T000651/1, "Harnessing Photonic Technologies for Deep-Tissue Imaging" |
Amount | £69,884 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/T003243/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2019 |
End | 05/2020 |
Description | Multiphoton imaging partnership - Heriot-Watt, Scientifica & Chromacity |
Organisation | Chromacity Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | HWU are leading the research into low-cost laser sources for multi-photon microscopy, with industrial exploitation routes through Chromacity and Scientifica |
Collaborator Contribution | Chromacity have provided a laser for the project as a £12,000 cash contribution. They have also provided £20K in-kind support of engineering consultancy and £6825 of discount on a further bespoke laser. Scientifica have provided £9K in-kind support towards microscopy consultancy and creating an end-user panel. |
Impact | A PhD project will be advertised in April 2020 to work on novel laser sources for multiphoton microscopy. This may be supported by Scientifica, who may commit £4K per annum in consumables costs towards the project. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Multiphoton imaging partnership - Heriot-Watt, Scientifica & Chromacity |
Organisation | Scientifica UK |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | HWU are leading the research into low-cost laser sources for multi-photon microscopy, with industrial exploitation routes through Chromacity and Scientifica |
Collaborator Contribution | Chromacity have provided a laser for the project as a £12,000 cash contribution. They have also provided £20K in-kind support of engineering consultancy and £6825 of discount on a further bespoke laser. Scientifica have provided £9K in-kind support towards microscopy consultancy and creating an end-user panel. |
Impact | A PhD project will be advertised in April 2020 to work on novel laser sources for multiphoton microscopy. This may be supported by Scientifica, who may commit £4K per annum in consumables costs towards the project. |
Start Year | 2019 |