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Living cell lasers: intracellular lasing induced by natural and polymeric microscopic resonators

Objective

Can a living cell be turned into a laser? By aiming to coalesce biological cells with laser light, the most versatile tool that modern photonics has developed, LIVING LASERS explores entirely new ways to develop fully biocompatible lasers.

The ability of vitamins, bacteria and even living cells to generate laser light has been recently demonstrated by the supervisor of the project, Prof Malte Gather. However, these and other experiments with active biological gain media are so far limited by the rigid and synthetic nature of the optical resonators, an essential part of any laser device. Introducing lasing in living cells independent of external resonators necessitates a conceptual change of the laser design. This is realized by internalization of microscopic resonators that will transfer the optical feedback directly into the cell. It is the main goal of this interdisciplinary project, located at the interface between material sciences, laser physics, photonics and biology, to demonstrate autonomous single cell lasing. Consequently, LIVING LASERS can be expected to start a whole new field in biophotonics and will help to overcome the boundaries between living nature and nowadays highly artificial and harmful laser technologies.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 195 454,80
Address
NORTH STREET 66 COLLEGE GATE
KY16 9AJ ST ANDREWS
United Kingdom

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Region
Scotland Eastern Scotland Clackmannanshire and Fife
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 195 454,80
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