UV Lasers

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) fluoresces in response to a UV Laser.

Different substances fluoresce at different wavelengths, providing a visual indicator of what agents may be present. high-resolution image

PARC is focusing on demonstrating UV semiconductor optical emitters (light emitting and laser diodes) in the UV spectrum. Many bio-molecules absorb light in the UV range and fluoresce under the beam of a laser. In 2003, PARC scientists demonstrated the world’s shortest existing UV laser diode, operating at 359.7 nm, with an AlGaN multiple quantum well.

PARC research, partly supported by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is aimed at shrinking the large and expensive solid-state and gas lasers that are currently used in bio-agent detection systems. UV-based systems for detecting airborne pathogens would be much more compact, use less power, and cost less to produce. UV optical emitters could also be used in analytical devices for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical markets, solid-state white lighting, sterilization and disinfectant devices, and water purification systems.