NRC seeking partners for recently launched quantum photonics research program

The National Research Council (NRC) has launched a long-range research program in quantum photonics to derisk early-stage technologies with the aim of intersecting with industry over the next five to 15 years. Entitled Quantum Photonic Sensing and Security (QPSS), the program focuses on advancing technologies in the areas of quantum cyber security for secure data and information technology networks and advanced optical sensing for natural resource extraction and defence and security sensing.

With a budget of $6 million annually over seven years, the QPSS program engages more than 40 researchers — a number that could grow as the program evolves. Under the leadership of Dr Ben Sussman, its focus is on technology readiness levels (TRL) between two and five (targeted basic research to technology development). The overall aim is to entice industry and other partners to engage in research that could lead to disruptive technology breakthroughs.

"This portfolio is the bastion of longer-range NRC work. We continue that mandate," says Dr Duncan Stewart, GM of NRC's security and disruptive technologies portfolio, headquartered in Ottawa. "We're managing risk on the technology development side for Canada because for companies it's prohibitively risky whereas for Canada it's too risky not to do it."

The program comes as the Canadian photonics sector expands beyond its traditional focus on telecommunications to include defence and security, energy, manufacturing and life sciences and healthcare. Within those sectors are significant opportunities for those who capture an early lead in research and adaptation.

Areas being targeted by QPSS include small photonics firms, defence and security companies, information and communications technology firms, natural resource extracting and refining companies and academic researchers.

"We worked on this for one-and-a-half years. We looked at the top technology trends globally and analyzed the Canadian economy and Canadian science and research capacity …. This is one of 10 global trends," says Stewart. "(The funding) is a catalyst for trying to initiate the conversion of research excellence into technology development and technology domination of select market segments."

Canada is a key global player in photonics, an industry worth approximately $6 billion with significant clusters of research strength in Ottawa, Waterloo, Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal and Calgary. There are approximately 400 companies generating $6 more than billion in revenue — 85% of which is derived from exports. By working with NRC early in the R&D process, the potential for technological and economic impact is magnified.

"That's the key to impact for NRC. It closes the feedback loop and starts building connections between NRC and its partners that will pick up and move into the market," says Stewart. "It's a balance between push and pull, of external and internal activities. They inform each other."

With the QPSS program, NRC is looking beyond its own research capabilities and linking with other research institutions to bolster its offerings. So far, 10 external partners have joined the program including multinationals, smaller firms, other government departments and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) which has received $400 million in funding to date.

"We are partnering with (IQC) in this program … There's an opportunity for a world leadership position for quantum information technology," says Stewart, adding QPSS's value proposition becomes especially potent when combined with Canada's bountiful natural resources. "Put the two together and invest there. It's a no brainer."

Sussman says there are a number of technologies available through the QPSS that are easier to access by industry, including fibre Bragg grating, an optical filtering device technology enhanced by NRC with ultra-fast lasers. The level of contributions made by collaborating companies in projects will depend on their potential proximity to market, as well as how they decide to participate.

"As we advance the TRL, the cost sharing ratio will change (companies pay more)," says Sussman. "We have three channels for engaging: fee for service, routine lab work including collaborative research agreements and networking."

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