Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2018-2019)

In just a few years, optogenetics, i.e., the ensemble of techniques that use light to control the function ofx000D
genetically-modified excitable cells (typically neurons) in living tissue, has become a preferred research tool inx000D
neuropsychology and neuroscience, as well as a rapidly expanding market with billions of dollars invested inx000D
major brain-related projects and institutes worldwide. Doric Lenses is one of the main players in this field, withx000D
sales growth of 25% per year during the last 5 years. One of Doric's flagship products is a wearablex000D
miniaturized fluorescence microscope that allows observation of neural circuitry within freely moving animalsx000D
such as mice. One of the key components of this microscope is a GRIN (gradient-index) relay lens inserted inx000D
the brain tissue. Such lenses are made by an ion exchange technology that is time consuming, difficult tox000D
control and currently out of reach for Doric Lenses. During this ENGAGE Plus project, we will continue ourx000D
development and testing of a new fabrication process based on sol-gel chemistry in order to provide GRINx000D
preforms with smoother index profiles. Doric will integrate this fabrication method into its manufacturingx000D
process for GRIN lenses. In time, it will allow improving the performance of current collimating lenses forx000D
laser diodes and provide high quality lenses for miniature fluorescence microscopes for calcic imaging ofx000D
neuronal activity, thereby strengthening Doric's competitive position in the rapidly growingx000D
neuroscience-related industry.