Development of a pseudo-incoherent homogeneous light source using a laser-coupled multimode fiber optic for biomedical applications

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Flow cytometry is a critical technology with a host of applications in bioengineering, basic research, and most notably, in clinical care for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of several illnesses including some cancers. A conventional cytometer is a bulky, expensive and highly-specialized piece of scientific equipment. Recent technological advances in photonics have paved the way for the democratization of the cytometer by means of a compact, portable, robust, easy-to-use and cost-effective fiber-optic flow cytometer. A fundamental challenge that limits the accuracy of current fiber-optic based cytometers pertains to the quality of the illumination source required for the interrogation zone. The goal of this project is to develop a multimode optical fiber (MMF) specially designed for coupling with a laser diode in such a way that the fiber output illumination beam is as homogeneous as possible. To attain this goal, the problem is tackled on two fronts: (1) the design, fabrication and characterization of the MMF itself, and (2) the optimization of the diode laser source parameters. It is expected that this project will help foster innovation in fiber-optic illumination schemes and spur advances in a promising technological platform (i.e. the fiber-optic flow cytometer) that benefits the health of Canadians and the Canadian based biomedical industry.