Newly discovered biocompatible nanolaser can cure neurological disorders

Scientists from Northwestern University and Columbia University have developed a nanolaser that can function inside the living muscles and tissues without causing any harm to them. The nanolaser developed is only 50 to 150 nanometers thick and the laser is about 1/1000^th the thickness of a single strand of human hair. Due to its thin size, the laser can fit inside the living tissues and can function normally without causing any damage to the tissues.

The device also has biomarkers, which helps to sense the nerve movement and function accordingly; it also helps to treat deep-brain neurological disorders, such as seizures and epilepsy.  The device is made up of glass, which is biocompatible; the laser can focus on longer wavelengths of lights, and emit light of shorter wavelengths. The longer wavelength of lights will help in bioimaging, as they can penetrate farther into the tissues than the visible light range. “We have designed an optically clean system that can effectively deliver visible laser light at penetration depths accessible to longer wavelengths," stated Teri Odom, Professor at Northwestern University.

The nanolasers can be operated in extremely confined places, which include quantum circuits and microprocessors, for ultra-power electronics. These lasers are more efficient when compared to the normal ones, and typically need less light with shorter wavelengths, such as ultraviolet light to power them.This new discovery has paved off new insights in the field of medicine and nanotechnology. These lasers will be released to the market by the end of 2019.