Molecule Enhanced Optical Detection by Laser Action

There are numerous florescent molecules used as tags in both medical and biological research. These tags are very specific to the other molecules or sites to which they attach. When excited, the tags emit photons, which are then detected. This technology uses stimulated emission to increase the efficiency of detection by requiring a smaller number of molecules to have a detectable signal.

Benefits
Generally, the photon emissions from tags are spatially broad, making the collection of emitted light difficult. A large number of emitting molecules are required in this case. This novel technology uses a low intensity collimated seed beam to stimulate the emission of the excited florescent molecules. Using stimulated emission, this technology creates directionality in the molecules emitted light. This reduces the number of emitting molecules necessary to generate a detectable signal. For thin two-dimensional samples, one could image the sample and see the fluorescence on cellular or, possibly sub-cellular scales. When this technique is coupled with microfluid technology, very small volumes of material would be required to indicate the presence of the tagged fluorescent molecules.


Stage of Development
A U.S. patent application is pending. This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program. It is available for developmental research support/licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
*http://www.physics.utah.edu/people/faculty.html

Inventor(s): Zeev Vardeny, Randall Polson

Type of Offer: Licensing



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