The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) has awarded the University of Wisconsin System $949,898 to acquire and operationalize a transportable laser system with broad spectral coverage from 210-4300 nm. This advanced laser will enable sharing of large, alignment-sensitive instrumentation across multiple laboratories and research disciplines at the university, promoting more equitable and inclusive access.
The project aims to assemble and ruggedize the laser system onto a custom wheeled optical table, allowing it to be moved to various labs and support transformative research in areas such as quantum computing, biological sensing, and advanced manufacturing. The investigators plan to disseminate the design, integration, and testing approaches broadly so the transportable model can be replicated at other institutions. This award will also support outreach efforts to incorporate the laser system into graduate-level biophotonics courses and high school science programs. The project period runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027.