Ultrafast Science and Photonics

The Quebec government has recognized optics and photonics as a strategic sector with the creation of the Optonique cluster of excellence. Our researchers are mastering radiation sources and ultrafast measurement technologies while pursuing work in molecular photonics.

Our researchers are using radiation sources ranging from X-rays to terahertz waves, which opens the door to exciting possibilities for biomedical applications, imaging, and the characterization of matter. They are also conducting fundamental studies on the purely optical processing of ultrafast optical signals.

• Developing new photonic approaches to process ultrafast signals ranging from X-rays to terahertz waves.
• Using integrated nonlinear optical systems for photon generation and photon pair manipulation, as well as for their applications in quantum optics and joint quantum photonics/artificial intelligence (optical AI).
• Using high-power lasers and secondary sources for various applications, in particular the characterization and shaping of complex materials (composites, highly correlated materials) for industries such as manufacturing and aeronautics.

• Controlling the properties of matter with light-matter interactions.
• Optimizing the time-resolved imaging of ultrafast phenomena with particles and photons.
• Optimizing advanced spectroscopy and imaging techniques and applications.
• Developing a new imaging technique using the strong interaction between terahertz radiation and water, thus establishing a terahertz-temperature correlation.