ICOFAS · Improved Coherence Fast Swept Source Lasers for Optical Imaging Applications
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2019-02-01 → 2021-01-31
- EU contribution
- €173,076
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Improved Coherence Fast Swept Source Lasers for Optical Imaging Applications
ICOFAS targeted developing theoretical and experimental methods to improve coherence of swept source lasers (SSL) and design and fabricate new devices at shorter wavelengths (850nm) using multi-section architecture. The major application of such lasers is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging and the coherence of the laser is crucial for the image quality. The project proposed a new approach to apply the optical feedback to swept source lasers in order to improve their coherent properties. Realisation of 850nm SSL makes OCT technology comparable with silicon technologies to allows faster imaging at higher resolution. Implementation of the objectives of the project requires multi-disciplinary approach that brings together laser science, theory of dynamics of nonlinear systems, fabrication of semiconductor devices, OCT technology. The European community benefits from the ICOFAS as it addressed innovative technology of SSL lasers for prioritised area of medical and industrial applications.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an exciting new technique capable of high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging to depths of a few millimeters. The technology has unique advantages as non-invasive, being an imaging method for a variety of imaging applications such as medical diagnostics and industrial testing in manufacturing lines. The tunable laser sources used in OCT are required to have wide spectral range (to improve resolution), fast tuning speeds (to improve imaging times) and narrow instantaneous linewidth (to enhance imaged depth). The preferred wavelength for OCT is 850nm due to better resolution and less attenuation at this wavelength and compatibility with cheap Si detection, but have been hampered by the quality of the laser sources for this region and have tended instead to be developed at the telecom wavelengths of 1300nm and 1550nm. To meet the need for fast speed imaging of deeper structures, we will 1) investigate novel approaches to reach mode-hop free operation for swept sources at 1550nm and 2) develop an optical source around 850nm with a wide band (>70nm), high sweep rate (1MHz) and narrow instantaneous linewidth due to mode-hop free operation. The ICOFAS project targets (a) the training of a young researcher in the field of photonic devices, optical imaging and research commercialisation; (b) the development of novel optical sources with advanced coherence properties and fast sweeping rate; and (c) the industrial validation and commercialising of the developed technology. The training program for the researcher includes new skills in the design and fabrication of multi-section semiconductor fast sweeping lasers, characterisation and optimisation of the laser performance, and implementation of the advanced sources to optical imaging systems. In addition, strong commercialisation and entrepreneurial skills will be developed, with keen interest from two commercial partners ensuring focus on an industrial roadmap.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisCoordinatorFrance
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union