Tunable Laser Source for Confocal Microscopy

Confocal microscopy is one of the most widely used techniques in biosciences. High resolution images are produced through laser excitation of fluorescent molecules in the blue-green region of the spectrum. Lasers provide light at only a few fixed wavelengths and this limits the brightness of the image. M Squared proposes to overcome this limitation by developing a continuously tuneable laser source covering the whole region of relevance to confocal microscopy. The project will deliver a demonstrator using a novel approach. Given the size of the market, the potential return on investment over 10 years is well in excess of 100 times. M Squared is an early stage business whose growth is highly reliant on technological development and innovation. Funding from the TSB is essential to offset the risks of undertaking this ambitious research project.