FAST-DOT is an experimental program funded under
the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union, (Photonic
Components and subsystems).
Beginning in June 2008 and running for 2 years, FAST-DOT purpose is to:
- Enable widespread application and further development of laser based
photonics
- Demonstrate new applications of lasers in biotechnology and medical fields
- Develop new industrially integrated design rules for the production of specific
QD materials
- Unlock the potential of QD materials in biophotonics
- Accelerate the implementation of QD lasers through European SMEs and
companies
- Train a new generation of researchers in the range of new technological areas
for QD devices.
Fast Dot Project will...
- Exploit the unique combination of ultrafast properties and key wavelengths
available from quantum-dot (QD) materials to produce a new generation of
compact ultrafast laser devices
- Engineer specific novel properties available due to control of the growth of QD
- Implement a new range of ultrafast QD lasers for important biophotonics and
medical applications.
Biomedical
lasers currently in use are not portable and are heavy on energy consumption.
This project will develop a new generation of lasers which will be much smaller
and more energy efficient. The lasers will be designed for use in microscopy
and nanosurgery where high precision cutting, imaging and treatment therapies
will be made possible.
The new
lasers will mean that surgeons and life scientists will have access to much
higher performance and lower cost lasers than are currently available and will
open up exciting new application areas for lasers in biomedicine.
The
Approach
The project
will use Quantum Dot technology to develop the new lasers. Quantum dots are
based on novel semiconductor nanostructure clusters which demonstrate
remarkable new photonic properties. Quantum Dot structures will afford major
advances in ultrafast science and technology by exploiting the unique
combination of Quantum Dot properties (high optical quality, efficient light
generation, ultrafast carrier dynamics and broadband gain bandwidth) at a
wavelength range which is not easily accessible with current technologies. The
new Quantum Dot sources will be investigated and validated in a range of
biophotonics applications including Optical Coherence Tomography, Nonlinear
Microscopy, Nanosurgery and minimally invasive diagnostics/treatments.
Biomedical
lasers currently in use are not portable and are heavy on energy consumption.
This project will develop a new generation of lasers which will be much smaller
and more energy efficient. The lasers will be designed for use in microscopy
and nanosurgery where high precision cutting, imaging and treatment therapies
will be made possible.
The new
lasers will mean that surgeons and life scientists will have access to much
higher performance and lower cost lasers than are currently available and will
open up exciting new application areas for lasers in biomedicine.
The
Approach
The project
will use Quantum Dot technology to develop the new lasers. Quantum dots are
based on novel semiconductor nanostructure clusters which demonstrate
remarkable new photonic properties. Quantum Dot structures will afford major
advances in ultrafast science and technology by exploiting the unique
combination of Quantum Dot properties (high optical quality, efficient light
generation, ultrafast carrier dynamics and broadband gain bandwidth) at a
wavelength range which is not easily accessible with current technologies. The
new Quantum Dot sources will be investigated and validated in a range of
biophotonics applications including Optical Coherence Tomography, Nonlinear
Microscopy, Nanosurgery and minimally invasive diagnostics/treatments.
Highlights and Background 
