Biological waveguides on the chip

With the growth of quantum computing and optical fiber networks optical technologies seem set to dominate future computing and communications architecture. This new phase in signal processing opens up new opportunities for technologies which seek to exploit optical effects and their application in bio-medical research. We seek to create new bio-optical technology for use in future computing and biological interface applications. With our research we are seeking to create a new generation of biodegradable and environmentally friendly quantum-photonic computers and microchips. The main aim of this project is to create the first biological microchip made out of biological waveguides on chip. Biological optical waveguides (BOW?s) are strings of living cells or microorganisms which can channel light to and from specific locations in microenvironments. Microorganisms in biological waveguides get attracted toward the center of the laser beam (the highest intensity) due to optical forces and get trapped along a propagating focused laser beam. The first biological waveguides on the chip will be created from strings of E.coli and/or Bacillus subtilis bacteria