Fabrication method for miniaturized imaging gradient index lenses

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In just a few years, optogenetics, i.e., the ensemble of techniques that use light to control the function ofgenetically-modified excitable cells (typically neurons) in living tissue, has become a preferred research tool inneuropsychology and neuroscience, as well as a rapidly expanding market with billions of dollars invested inmajor brain-related projects and institutes worldwide. Doric Lenses is one of the main players in this field, withsales growth of 25% per year during the last 5 years. One of Doric's flagship products is a wearableminiaturized fluorescence microscope that allows observation of neural circuitry within freely moving animalssuch as mice. One of the key components of this microscope is a GRIN (gradient-index) relay lens inserted inthe brain tissue. Such lenses are made by an ion exchange technology that is time consuming, difficult tocontrol and currently out of reach for Doric Lenses. During this ENGAGE Plus project, we will continue ourdevelopment and testing of a new fabrication process based on sol-gel chemistry in order to provide GRINpreforms with smoother index profiles. Doric will integrate this fabrication method into its manufacturingprocess for GRIN lenses. In time, it will allow improving the performance of current collimating lenses forlaser diodes and provide high quality lenses for miniature fluorescence microscopes for calcic imaging ofneuronal activity, thereby strengthening Doric's competitive position in the rapidly growingneuroscience-related industry.