Its leadership at the national level contributes greatly to the scientific and economic development of optics and photonics technologies in Quebec.
Since 1989, COPL has facilitated collaborations between multidisciplinary research teams and promoted the pooling of research infrastructures and expertise. Its contribution has extended the benefits of optics-photonics research to multiple sectors crucial to the socio-economic future of Quebec society.
Mission
To explore and exploit the full potential of optics and photonics science and technology by mobilizing and strengthening the research community in Quebec.
Vision
To create an integrated environment of collaborative research and inclusive training bringing together multidisciplinary expertise that encourages innovation. To foster the next generation of researchers aiming to contribute through their knowledge of photonic technologies to the socio-economic future of Quebec society.
Bringing together more than fifty researchers and several hundred graduate students from eight Quebec universities, the COPL acts as a facilitator and accelerator of innovation. On average, more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles are published annually. Similarly, for the period from 2020 to ≥ 2022, some 1380 publications (articles and conferences) were produced by its members. Of these figures, 50% of the publications are from international collaborations.
Seven axes guide the research work:
• Photonic materials
• Quantum photonics
• Biophotonics
• Optical communications
• Photonic systems and microsystems
• Fibers-optics and guided-wave optics
• Lasers and ultrafast phenomena
Thanks to its privileged position, COPL maintains close ties with industry, particularly through the Canada Research Chairs and industrial partnership projects. It also contributes to the growth of the sector by training future graduates who will join Quebec high-tech companies.
The COPL also offers access to unique research facilities that enable innovation projects to be carried out using cutting-edge technologies. Its members are the instigators of more than twenty spin-off companies since 2000. COPL offers unwavering support to the companies that have emerged from its laboratories to ensure that its technologies remain at the forefront of a highly competitive global market. Innovations from COPL are helping to revolutionize many fields, including telecommunications, health, industrial processes, the environment, agriculture, and defense and security.
