Université Laval is an undisputed leader in the high-tech field of optics, photonics, and lasers. Our researchers are responsible for major scientific breakthroughs in the field, including work on ultrashort laser pulses. Their expertise in areas such as fibre optics, photonic materials, and optical communications is revolutionizing medicine, telecommunications, and agriculture.
Optics, photonics, and lasers
Harnessing the tremendous potential of glass and light
High-speed information transfer
To avoid sometimes invasive interventions with traditional medical instruments, we’re envisioning making a tiny incision big enough for a single optical fibre to reach a tumor several millimeters below the skin’s surface and using a laser beam to pulverize it.
Réal Vallée, professor, Department of Physics, Physical Engineering, and Optics and director of the Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers
Researchers
Meet our dynamic research team
Research Units
Canada Research Chairs
- Canada Research Chair in Advanced Photonic Technologies for Communications Chairholder: Sophie Larochelle, full professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Canada Research Chair in Liquid Crystals and Behavioral Biophotonics Chairholder: Tigran Galstian, full professor, Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Optics
- Canada Research Chair in Communications Systems Enabling the Cloud Chairholder: Leslie Rusch, full professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Partnership Research Chairs
- NSERC-Coractive-TeraXion-LaserAX-TLCL Industrial Research Chair in Femtosecond Photo-Inscribed Photonic Components and Devices Chairholder: Réal Vallée, full professor, Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Optics
- NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Optical Design Chairholder: Simon Thibault, department director, Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Optics, full professor, Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Optics
Research centres, institutes, and groups
- CERVO Brain Research Centre Director of cellular and molecular neuroscience: Paul De Koninck, full professor, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bio-informatics
- Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers (COPL) Director: Réal Vallée, full professor, Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Optics
The graduate program in optics and photonics at Université Laval is probably one of the best in the country. The facilities and equipment at the Centre for Optics, Photonics and Lasers (COPL) provide a great working environment for students.
Simon Duval, PhD graduate in physics supervised by Professor Réal Vallée
Graduate studies
Make the leap to graduate studies
Explore our fields of study
Resources for researchers and student researchers
The Vice Dean of Research
The mission of the faculty’s Office of the Vice Dean of Research is to familiarize faculty members with research funding program requirements. Its research development advisors can assist researchers in preparing funding applications and drafting research contracts. They can also provide information and guidance on technology transfer opportunities.
Le Lab en ligne
The Faculty of Sciences and Engineering’s LAB en ligne is a virtual space that showcases and profiles the faculty’s research equipment and facilities. The service provides graduate students, faculty members, and industry professionals with access to state-of-the-art equipment at reasonable cost along with opportunities for collaboration.