Nano-Laser Thinner Than A Human Hair May Help Treat Neurological Disorders

By: | September 26th, 2019

Image courtesy Pixabay

Researchers from Northwestern and Columbia universities have developed a tiny bio-compatible laser thousand times thinner than the average single strand of human hair. Having thickness less than 150 nanometers, these laser beams can function within living muscles and tissues without physically damaging them. 

What is the need to implant the laser inside us?

 Scientists have been working for years to develop a laser therapy that can target cancer cells, diagnose different diseases, remove diseased tissue from delicate areas and can even treat deep-brain neurological disorders such as epilepsy and seizures.

This amazing invention could bring revolution in the field of medicine and nanotechnology

Researchers are hopeful that their microscopic device can easily capture the images in living tissues and can treat neurological disorders. It is made up of glass, which is intrinsically biocompatible. Not only that, the laser can also be excited with longer wavelengths of light and emit light at shorter wavelengths.

The longer wavelengths of light will help the laser to penetrate farther into the living tissue than photons at visible light wavelengths. Teri Odom, co-author of the study said, “We have designed an optically clean system that can effectively deliver visible laser light at penetration depths accessible to longer wavelengths.”

Nidhi Goyal

Nidhi is a gold medalist Post Graduate in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.

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