| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/Z53464X/1 |
| Title: |
Living-Light: Single Fluorescent Protein based Compact Low-Threshold Bio-Lasers |
| Principal Investigator: |
Farrow, Dr T |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Oxford Physics |
| Organisation: |
University of Oxford |
| Scheme: |
UKRI Postdoc Guarantee TFS |
| Starts: |
01 September 2024 |
Ends: |
31 August 2026 |
Value (£): |
192,297
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
Since their inception in 1960, lasers have revolutionized science and technology across data storage, communications, medical applications, and beyond. As biotechnology advances, the need for energy-efficient, biocompatible, and miniaturized devices grows. Integrating biological materials into lasers presents an opportunity to fulfil these demands, enabling biodegradable and compact bio-lasers. Unlike conventional lasers relying on bulky mirrors and cavities, optical cavities can be used to confine light on a submicron scale, achieving strong coupling with biological emitters to create Polaritons (hybrid state of light and matter) which facilitates low-threshold lasing using Polariton Condensation. Recent cavity design innovations, such as curved cavity mirrors and high-reflectivity Distributed Bragg Reflectors, enhance coupling strength and thus efficiency.
In this project, I will focus on the development of highly efficient and low-threshold cavity-based compact bio-lasers. Leveraging the advantageous properties of organic materials, particularly large oscillator strength and the ability to activate and excite single fluorescent molecules using Pulsed Activation Localisation Microscopy, I will exploit their single-molecule emission capabilities and adaptability to diverse environments such as in live bacteria to create living-bio-lasers at remarkably low power levels. Ultimately, this project aims to revolutionize bio-lasing technology by creating biocompatible, energy-efficient, and highly sensitive bio-lasers that bridge the realms of biology and photonics at single emitter level, shaping the future of fundamental scientific exploration and technological innovation.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ox.ac.uk |