The problem:
The operation of photonic devices deep inside tissues offers a great deal of information about internal physiological processes and small lasers are well-positioned to enable in vivo cell imaging, actuation, and sensing. There are severe issues with phototoxicity when devices operate in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Additionally, devices working at short wavelengths are limited to superficial layers of ≃ 100 um. This limits the more universal applicability of small lasers deeper into the tissues of living animals. Longer wavelengths, especially those falling in the high transmissive near-infrared NIR-I, and NIR-II windows present much higher penetration while preserving tissue integrity.
Important for society:
As we move towards hybrid and bionic models that can interface and help better understand animal and human models, optical innovations gain presence. Lasers are one of the quintessence discoveries of the 20th century, and it is currently ubiquitous in many technical areas of our society and has presented unique solutions never thought of before their invention. From displays to sensors, lasers offer a unique window to interface biological systems and society is investing resources to make better lasers to expand even further their applicability, and one of the most promising branches now is their integration into biological systems. Engineering issues with the fabrication of high-quality laser devices have shown to be of particular importance for laser discovery. An example of this is seen with the development of VCSELs, especially in the green. epitaxial growth precluded the extensive use of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) for illumination and displays. However, there are clever ways around epitaxy, and some lasers relying on plasmon hybrids or Whispering Gallery Modes (WGMs) seem to offer a way around the high power densities to pump microlasers. Effectively, WGMs can concentrate so much power that they have proved to work even with suboptimal Gain materials, and in more demanding systems relying on nonlinear optics to operate, examples of this can be found in my publication record.
Estimated to be $17B and it is projected to reach $25B The market for new laser systems is growing fast with a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%, but it is also very challenging to evaluate the real impact they may have in future emergent technologies. Lasers have proven capabilities to disruptive technologies that range from optical communications to computing, and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs).
The objectives are to produce bio-compatible lasers relying on nonlinear optics that can operate in the infrared (IR) at a fraction of the power they need in today’s technological landscape. Being able to tune the optical properties of laser cavities is of great interest to make lasers benign for biological tissue, but also keep them operating with Silicon-based detectors, a mature technology that offers great variability of cameras and sensors and an affordable price.
