NRC — Advanced, non-linear optical imaging and microscopy (CARSLab)
Canada
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy lab in Ottawa
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Researchers And Facilities
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Fee-for-service facility includes two-photon fluorescence, second harmonic generation and ultra-short pulse CARS microscopy.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$71,250
Maintenance and upgrade of second harmonic generation microscopy at Saskatoon Science Institute
$112,500
Upgrade of microscopy equipment for advanced cancer research at Victoria Research Institute
$135,000
Development of a portable microscopy lab for field studies by Vancouver Environmental Research
$150,000
Acquisition of CARS microscopy equipment for Toronto Neurological Research Group
$100,000
Expansion and maintenance of ultra-short pulse CARS microscopy at Halifax Biomedical Labs
$60,000
Establishment of a microscopy training program at Ottawa Imaging Centre
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible companies for this grant must be involved in research and development activities related to microscopy and imaging technologies. They could include companies focused on bioimaging, material science, pharmaceuticals, or environmental analysis.
- Companies specializing in bioimaging
- Companies conducting research in material science
- Pharmaceutical companies engaged in R&D
- Organizations working on environmental analysis
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The CARS microscopy grant is aimed at boosting research and development endeavors that leverage high-resolution, non-invasive imaging techniques. Eligible projects focus on using CARS microscopy to explore and analyze molecular structures for advanced scientific and industrial applications.
- Exploration projects in geology utilizing CARS microscopy to analyze mineral compositions in rock structures.
- Biomedical research employing CARS microscopy to study live cells and tissues without altering their inherent properties.
- Industrial application projects using CARS microscopy for chemical mixture analysis and imaging of oil deposits.
- Development of new imaging methodologies by combining CARS with other modalities like two-photon fluorescence and second harmonic generation.
- Collaborative projects focusing on advancing femtosecond laser technology for improved microscopy results.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the grant. The criteria include:
- Relevance of the proposed research to the goals of the grant
- Potential impact of the research in advancing knowledge and applications
- Qualifications and expertise of the research team
- Feasibility and soundness of the research plan
- Budget justification and cost-effectiveness
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The CARSLab facility reflects advanced technological capabilities and industry-specific collaborations.
- The facility is supported by collaboration with leading industry partners, such as Olympus Corporation.
- This lab provides unique imaging capabilities that surpass standard two-photon or fluorescence microscopes.
- Operated by full-time specialists, ensuring expertise in both microscopy and laser optics.
- The facility supports a wide range of sample types, enhancing the research applications.
- The CARSLab incorporates cutting-edge femtosecond laser technology designed specifically for microscopy purposes.
- Continuous innovation and research are facilitated by the lab's integration into NRC's Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre.
Apply to this program
Exploring Breakthroughs in Molecular Imaging with CARS Microscopy
This grant opportunity is aimed at those interested in pioneering scientific research and development through the use of cutting-edge Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy technology. The objective is to advance the understanding of molecular structures in diverse materials, offering unparalleled insights into their composition and behavior.
Detailed Insights into This Revolutionary CARS Microscopy Grant
This grant provides a unique opportunity for researchers and innovators in the field of molecular imaging to leverage the highly sophisticated Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy technologies available at the CARSLab facility in Ottawa. With its unparalleled sensitivity—at least 10,000 times more potent than traditional Raman microscopy—CARS microscopy allows for real-time imaging of molecular distributions within complex materials such as live cells, tissues, and rock formations. This non-invasive and label-free technique provides highly specific chemical images without the need for potentially distorting sample preparation methods.
The CARSLab's state-of-the-art equipment, featuring two-photon fluorescence, second harmonic generation, and ultra-short pulse CARS microscopy, stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Developed in collaboration with the NRC and Olympus Corporation, this facility is equipped with femtosecond lasers that have been optimized for unprecedented spatial resolution and imaging capabilities. With its video recording functionalities, CARSLab allows researchers to monitor molecular interactions as they occur, providing dynamic insights that are critical for advancing scientific understanding and innovation.
The grant is tailor-made for projects that propose to make substantial contributions to fields that rely heavily on material and biological imaging, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, materials science, and biomedical research. By facilitating deeper understanding through detailed molecular analysis, the grant empowers recipients to push the boundaries of current knowledge and develop new applications and technologies that could have far-reaching impacts.
Successful applicants will benefit not only from access to the CARSLab’s advanced facilities but also from the expertise of its full-time professional staff. The laboratory's experts in microscopy and femtosecond laser optics are skilled in managing a wide variety of sample types, ensuring that research outcomes are optimized and reliable. Moreover, the CARSLab’s capability to integrate multi-modal imaging—combining CARS with second harmonic and two-photon fluorescence detection—provides researchers with a comprehensive suite of imaging tools to enhance their investigative work.
The grant is designed to foster collaborative efforts and innovative partnerships, encouraging knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary approaches that could lead to significant scientific breakthroughs. By participating in this grant program, researchers have the opportunity to make meaningful strides in their fields, contributing to advancements that might be pivotal in addressing some of today's most pressing scientific challenges.
The support offered by this grant is not just financial but encompasses access to critical technical resources that can amplify the scope and impact of research projects. From assisting with experimental design to providing insights into data interpretation, the CARSLab facility and its personnel are committed to ensuring that all projects achieve their highest potential.
Ultimately, this grant signifies a substantial investment in the future of molecular imaging and highlights the importance of continuing to develop innovative technologies that can transform our understanding of complex materials. It positions researchers to be at the forefront of scientific discovery, equipped with the tools and support necessary to realize significant advancements and contribute to sustained technological and scientific progress.
