LASAO – Adaptive optics for improved femto second laser beam quality and stability

CHALLENGE

Fluorescence systems have become ubiquitous analytical chemistry and biochemistry equipment. Despite impressive technological advances in this field, quantitative measurements from fluorescent systems remain difficult to obtain. ARGOLIGHT uses an exclusive patented technology to induce those fluorescent features into glasses. The patterns can reproduce cell-like features in terms of size and fluorescence intensity, but perfectly known and stable. LASAO aims to validate a closed loop control wave front correction system from IMAGINE OPTIC for the optimization and long-term stabilization of femtosecond laser beam parameters for the engraving of innovative calibration standards from ARGOLIGHT for calibrating and monitoring fluorescence imaging systems. The objectives are threefold: improving the achieved homogeneity of the current pattern designs by at least 20 %, increasing the accessible process time by 100 % to produce new, more complex patterns and producing finer engraved line widths, below 200 nm (currently 240 nm).

BENEFIT

The LASAO system will provide the technology for a new level of beam shape stability and aberration correction. For laser-based micro processing, it opens a market where precision in final shape is key at a level that was unachievable before. The more repeatable and more precise manufacturing process would enable better calibration standards which would support scientific research all over the world. The solution will also be applicable to the fabrication of optical memories, prototyping of integrated optical circuits, laser-fabricated phase masks and in-vivo customization of intra-ocular implants.

ACHIEVEMENT

LASAO demonstrates that adaptive optics could be used as a tool for high precision ultrafast laser intra-volume engraving of transparent materials. The LASAO system allows to control the length of laser interaction volume in glass. In particular we almost reached the theoretical diffraction-limited length, with a reduction of the modification length by 55 %.