Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

We propose to develop novel laser based optical setups at the University of Manitoba that will provide unique capabilities and will open new application areas of ultrafast optics in nonlinear optical microscopy and spectroscopy of biological as well as non-biological samples. The proposed system will consist of an advanced widely tunable femtosecond laser system, novel non-invasive optical microscope for high-resolution imaging and a high sensitivity nonlinear spectroscopy setup. The requested equipment will help to develop these state-of-the-art instruments and engage in detailed investigations of cellular hydrodynamics, broadband spectroscopy of advanced dielectric materials and development of novel instrumental solutions for food safety and biomedical applications. The project will create an opportunity for a broad range of innovative long-term interdisciplinary research programs and professional training in laser optics, biomedical live cell imaging, spectroscopy, optical and electronic materials. The unique capabilities of new instrumentation will also be available to a large community of scientist at the University of Manitoba and beyond through collaborative research projects.