Novel laser architectures for the next generation of multi-photon imaging tools

Multi-photon imaging has revolutionised many fields of life-science since the process was first demonstrated in the late '90's. Advances in laser technology have enabled improvement in the capabilities of this technique, with large complex laser systems being replaced by small low cost solutions and with the migration to clinical applications now within reach.

The development of simple low-cost laser architectures that will give access to higher peak power, new laser wavelengths and scalable pulse energies is the goal of this project. Current academic research indicates some interesting technologies, but these ideas must be tested and developed to assess applicability for industrial use.

Taking some existing Coherent technology as a base, the project goal will be to design solutions, numerically model, and construct performance demonstration systems to allow decisions to be made about the best technology to bring to market in a product development. These solutions will push existing technology beyond current state of the art for both performance and cost.

The novelty, scale and challenge associated with the project will result in likely IP generation, publication suitable results and the outcome of a technical solution suitable for commercialisation increasing current market share and opening new market opportunities.

The novelty is in the ultimate industrial challenge of designing and selling a laser system that offers new wavelengths and with higher power/ energy than other laser sources available on the market. It is likely this challenge will allow the construction of a laser system with performance that improves upon the state of the art from academic publications.

Complementing our Pathways to Impact document, here we state the expected real-world impact, which is of course the leading priority for our industrial partners. Their confidence that the proposed CDT will deliver valuable scientific, engineering and commercial impact is emphasized by their overwhelming financial support (£4.38M from industry in the form of cash contributions, and further in-kind support of £5.56M).

Here we summarize what will be the impacts expected from the proposed CDT.

(1) Impact on People
(a) Students
The CDT will have its major impact on the students themselves, by providing them with new understanding, skills and abilities (technical, business, professional), and by enhancing their employability.
(b) The UK public
The engagement planned in the CDT will educate and inform the general public about the high quality science and engineering being pursued by researchers in the CDT, and will also contribute to raising the profile of this mode of doctoral training -- particularly important since the public have limited awareness of the mechanisms through which research scientists are trained.

(2) Impact on Knowledge
New scientific knowledge and engineering know-how will be generated by the CDT. Theses, conference / journal papers and patents will be published to disseminate this knowledge.

(3) Impact on UK industry and economy
UK companies will gain a competitive advantage by using know-how and new techniques generated by CDT researchers.
Companies will also gain from improved recruitment and retention of high quality staff.
Longer term economic impacts will be felt as increased turnover and profitability for companies, and perhaps other impacts such as the generation / segmentation of new markets, and companies receiving inward investment for new products.

(4) Impact on Society
Photonic imaging, sensing and related devices and analytical techniques underpin many of products and services that UK industry markets either to consumers or to other businesses. Reskilling of the workforce with an emphasis on promoting technical leadership is central to EPSRC's Productive Nation prosperity outcome, and our CDT will achieve exactly this through its development of future industrially engaged scientists, engineers and innovators. The impact that these individuals will have on society will be manifested through their contribution to the creation of new products and services that improve the quality of life in sectors like transport, dependable energy networks, security and communications.

Greater internationalisation of the cohort of CDT researchers is expected from some of the CDT activities (e.g. international summer schools), with the potential impact of greater collaboration in the future between the next generations of UK and international researchers.