A significant investment of $7.4 million has been awarded to three projects led by professors at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) in Quebec, Canada, aimed at revolutionizing quantum technology. The funding, provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, will support initiatives that integrate photonics and quantum technologies to enhance communication, computing, and sensing capabilities.
Professor Sharif Sadaf is leading a project to develop a platform for efficient quantum light generation, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum communication, computing, and sensing. Another project, led by Professor Roberto Morandotti, focuses on developing advanced quantum applications via complex states in integrated and meta optics.
The third project, also led by Professor Morandotti, aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a quantum internet. Industrial partners involved in these projects include Xanadu, CMC Microsystems, OptoElectronic Components, and Numana, among others. These initiatives have the potential to position Canada as a leader in ultra-secure information systems and biomedical instruments with improved diagnostic capabilities.
Revolutionizing Quantum Technology: Three INRS Projects Receive Over $7 Million in Funding
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded three projects led by professors at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) with over $7 million in funding to advance quantum physics research. These projects, which will run for four to five years, aim to develop and commercialize cutting-edge quantum communication, imaging, and sensing technologies.
Project 1: On-Chip Quantum Communication for the Internet of the Future
The first project, led by EMT Research Centre Professor Sharif Sadaf, has received $4,998,882 in funding over five years. The “Advanced QUAntum applications via complex states in integrated and meta optics (AQUA)” project aims to develop scalable and energy-efficient quantum communication technologies based on integrated photonic processing platforms and techniques. These technologies are expected to enable high-throughput, high-bandwidth, multi-user quantum communication networks, nanostructured metamaterials for advanced quantum imaging, and innovative quantum sensing and imaging techniques.
The project involves collaboration with several educational institutions, including McGill University, the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta, Université de Sherbrooke, and Swinburne University of Technology. Industrial partners include CMC Microsystems, COMBS, Enablence, few-cycle Inc., Ki3 Photonics Technologies, OptoElectronic Components, Pasqal, SpectraCann, and Xanadu Quantum Technologies.
Project 2: Improving Cybersecurity and Biomedicine through Quantum Technology
The second project, also led by Professor Sadaf, has received $1,275,000 in funding over four years. The “High-dimensional photonic systems for quantum information processing” project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of quantum internet by developing and commercializing a scalable quantum photonic processor based on complex photonic states. This will enable high-dimensional quantum computing operations and algorithms and set up a test bed for secure quantum communication over fibre-optic links.
Industrial partners include Ki3 Photonics Technologies and OptoElectronic Components, which specialize in quantum technology innovation and commercialization. The project is also supported by a complementary grant from PRIMA Québec (the Advanced Materials Research and Innovation hub).
Project 3: Next-Generation Electronics and Optoelectronics
The third project, led by EMT Research Centre Professor Roberto Morandotti, has received $1,275,000 in funding over four years. The project aims to develop next-generation electronics and optoelectronics technologies, including computer hardware, based on the creation of future quantum communication linked to the internet of the future.
The project involves collaboration with several educational institutions, including McGill University, and industrial partners such as Xanadu, CMC Microsystems, OptoElectronic Components, and Numana. According to Professor Sadaf, the multidisciplinary project is enormously important for quantum science and technology. “Reaching our goal promises to bring about a major paradigm shift in the field in Canada and around the world,” he emphasizes.
Impact on Quantum Physics Research
These research efforts will not only advance quantum physics research but also equip highly qualified emerging researchers with cutting-edge knowledge in quantum photonic computing, quantum communications, and quantum internet. As Professor Morandotti notes, “This will help establish an outstanding, versatile workforce that will position INRS, Quebec, and Canada at the forefront of world leaders for advances in these fields, which are incredibly strategic for the future.”
The funding of these three projects demonstrates the importance of investing in quantum physics research to drive innovation and economic growth. As the field continues to evolve, it is likely to have a significant impact on various industries, including cybersecurity, biomedicine, and electronics.
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