Integrated nonlinear optical system for sensing and imaging based on all-fiber, non-mode-locked ultrafast laser sources.

目的：本方案的研究目标是探索一种新的概念上的非线性显微镜系统。该系统的设计目标是便携式和完全集成的仪器，依赖于可调、非锁模和高重复频率(1 GHz)的激光光源。该仪器利用相干振动光谱技术来检测复杂的化学或生物介质中的特定分子群/亚群。该仪器的高探测灵敏度、紧凑性和健壮性有望在从化学和生物研究到武器探测的范围内得到更广泛的应用。智力优势：拟议的研究将i)带来关于产生皮秒激光脉冲的各个方面的专门知识，这些脉冲是无纵模的，以1 GHz或更高的重复频率产生；ii)探索利用非线性振动光谱和显微技术通过其固有的光谱标记来提高探测重要分子亚群的灵敏度的不同方法。广泛的影响：拟议的计划基于应用和基础研究、本科生和研究生的教育和培训的有效整合，以及与不同大学学院和院系的广泛合作。拟议的计划安排了有兴趣参与跨学科研究的理工科专业的研究生和本科生参加。学生们将有机会与学术界和产业界的专业人士互动。该项目的成功实施将吸引对进一步开发商业产品方法感兴趣的商业光子学/生物光子学公司的兴趣。

Objective: The research objective of this proposal is to explore a new conceptual approach to a nonlinear microscopy system. The approach to the system's design is aimed towards portable and fully integrated instrument that relies on tunable, non-mode-locked, and high-repetition rate (1GHz) laser sources. The instrument utilizes a coherent vibrational spectroscopy technique to detect specific molecular groups/subgroups within a complex chemical or a biological media. The instrument's high detection sensitivity, compactness, and robustness promise wider applications that can range from chemical and biological research to weapons detection.Intellectual Merit: The proposed research will i) bring a specific knowledge on various aspects of generation of picosecond laser pulses that are longitudinal modes free and are generated at repetition rates of 1GHz and higher, ii) explore different ways of enhancing sensitivity in detecting important molecular sub-groups via their intrinsic spectroscopic markers using nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.Broader Impacts: The proposed program is based on an efficient integration of the applied and fundamental research, education and training for undergraduate and graduate students and extensive collaboration with different University schools and Departments. The proposed plan arranges for participation of graduate and undergraduate students with majors in science and engineering fields who are interested to be involved in interdisciplinary research. The students will have an opportunity to interact with professionals within academia and industry. The successful implementation of the project will attract interest of commercial photonics/biophotonics companies interested in further development of the approach towards a commercial product.