Grant: Industrial Research Chairs

Over the past decades, our institution has played a crucial role in the development of optics and photonics in Canada, and the IRC in Optical Design is perfectly in line with our pioneering contribution to that field. During the last ten years, the Chair helped to develop new strength in an area that has recently experienced extraordinary development. Propelled by these successes, the IRC in Optical Design became a fundamental part of the institution's research in optics and photonics. The new term will provide new opportunities to further develop the field by providing innovation and training in optical engineering. The Chair will continue to contribute to the development of tomorrow's optical design.The science thrust of this term of the IRC is still focussed on an ambitious research program to address modern questions in optical design and optical engineering. The original research goals of the research program are twofold: to develop innovative concepts and techniques for imaging systems for extreme environments, and to develop innovative non-imaging solutions for LED-based illumination and wavefront management. This requires innovative research of novel optical design techniques, new imaging concepts, new testing set-ups and assembly approaches. The Industrial Research Chair in Optical Design plays a crucial role in establishing a world-class optical engineering training facility at Laval University. The most direct benefit from this Chair is the training of highly qualified personnel in the field of classical optical engineering, imaging and illumination lens design. Such training is only available in a few universities in North America. Additionally, partnerships with industry, public and private laboratories, and university-based centres have remained an essential component ofthe chair. Industry participation, involvement and commitment provide a very successful environment for a productive and innovative optical engineering laboratory.