Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Algonquin College's School of Advanced Technology has a world-class research group in lasers and optics. Individually, each researcher has extensive industry experience including novel designs in lasers and optics that are currently being commercialized worldwide. At Algonquin, the team has engaged in numerous, high-profile applied research projects, ranging from laser-design optimization to laser material processing, to advanced optics. The team has also produced the College's first patent and license agreement for a novel 'axicon' lens system which is able to generate absorption-compensated beams whose on-axis intensity does not diminish in lossy media. The new equipment will allow the team to rapidly prototype and test novel optics and laser configurations. This will enable the group to better respond to the needs of industrial partners. In addition, the equipment will help the team to explore emerging applications such as biophotonics/ biomedicine including laser interaction with live tissues and advanced microscopy, laser processing of materials, spectroscopy for assessing industrial processes, and other uses/systems that combine laser technologies with advanced optics and photonics.