All-Solid-State Laser for Biomedical Instrumentation

Numerous biomedical analysis techniques, such as flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, utilize laser-induced-fluorescence detection. This provides a high sensitivity analysis tool for biomedical research and clinical diagnosis. The most commonly used laser for these applications is the 488nm Ar-ion laser, since it is well- matched to the excitation wavelength of fluorescein dyes which are the most widely used. However, this laser is less than optimal for these applications: it is fairly large, has low efficiency, it dissipates excess heat in the instrument, and consumes substantial electrical power. It also has limited lifetime, so regular repair is necessary. This Phase I aims to investigate the feasibility of developing a compact, efficient, robust, long-lifetime laser source that would be a superior, cost-effective replacement for Ar-ion lasers in biomedical instrumentation. It would be based on new InGaAs disde lasers. The near-infrared output of this device would be frequency-doubled in a nonlinear crystal to achieve a wavelength of approximately 490nm, optimal for these applications. We will use a resonant doubling cavity to achieve good conversion efficiency. The Phase II follow-on would entail developing a 490nm source optimized for use in biomedical instruments.