Dynamic Adaptive Pumping of Liquid Crystal Lasers: Low Cost Tuneable Lasers for Biomedical Imaging, Security and Telecommunications

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The topic of the project is "Dynamic Adaptive Pumping of Liquid Crystal (LC) Lasers" with the aim to research their capabilities to be used as low-cost tuneable lasers in biomedical imaging, telecommunications, and security. Due to the intrinsic characteristics of liquid crystals, LC lasers react to external stimuli and are easily tuneable. The wavelength of the output can be tuned in the range 450-850 nm depending on the chosen organic dye. The combination of the low cost, the possibility for mass manufacture, microscale size, and broad wavelength tuneability range could enable LC lasers to replace more expensive laser systems in these industries. This project will explore the limitations of repetition rate and consequently the highest achievable average power of LC lasers, to determine their commercial viability. Several approaches to improve aforementioned aspects of the system will be explored, including incorporation of linear motion to the spinning disk approach, and use of micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) mirrors for steering the pump beam.