Centre for Photonics

The Centre for Photonics is focused on supporting Ontario-based research and development in photonics — the generation and harnessing of light and other forms of radiant energy.

Application Areas:

The application areas for photonics are growing; it's a foundation technology found in everything from new medical treatments to the common CD player. Key application areas include:

* Medicine - including innovative imaging technologies that offer an unprecedented view into living tissues and new minimally invasive therapies that use lasers, or other energy sources, to destroy diseased tissue without the need for major surgery.

* Optical communications, processing and sensing - already light is used to transfer data across networks at high speed. Ongoing research is discovering ways to tap into photonic capabilities to better transfer, store and process information -- at the speed of light.

* Materials technology - photonic technologies can be used to induce chemical reactions and manipulate matter to create useful materials. Laser micromachining also allows materials to be shaped and manipulated at the micro scale and can be used in the growing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) field. What the Centre for Photonics Does: Ajax Amsterdam

Through its programs, the Centre for Photonics aims to support the creation of new photonics knowledge and technology, foster the supply of highly qualified people at all levels, enhance applications and commercialization and establish regional and international collaborations.

New Photonics Knowledge and Technology: The Centre supports the advancement of photonics by funding research in Ontario's post-secondary academic institutions.

Highly Qualified People: The Centre has an array of initiatives designed to support the development of the highly qualified people needed to grow the photonics sector in Ontario. Most recently, the Centre has worked closely with Algonquin and Niagara Colleges to develop a four-year degree in photonics.

Enhancing Applications and Commercialization: The Centre supports the commercialization of new photonics technologies through a number of initiatives, including its Facilities-Based Research program. The program gives Ontario companies immediate access to the research talent and capabilities of Ontario's finest academic research facilities. This allows them to apply photonics technologies to meet pressing challenges, improving competitiveness.

Establishing Regional and International Collaborations: The Centre recognizes that partnerships are vital to growing the photonics sector in Ontario. It plays an important role in a number of regional clusters, including the Ottawa Photonics Cluster (OPC) and the Ontario Photonics Technology Industry Cluster (OPTIC). The Centre has also forged partnerships with complementary technology groups in countries that include Germany, Ireland and the United States.