About CPFRCPFR (Centre for Photonics Fabrication Research) is an ORDCF-funded project at the Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University. CPFR is a project that closely compliments photonic components fabrication activities at the NRC CPFC (Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre) established by grants from the Federal Government and the Government of Ontario. The main objective of the CPFR project is to assist university researchers, SMEs and start-up companies in Ontario to have access to CPFC facilities recently established at the NRC Institute of Microstructure Sciences (IMS) to produce prototypes and short runs of novel prototype photonic components under development. This is an essential tool for the growth of the photonics sector in Ontario. Carleton will also offer on-site (as well as remote) courses and training to students, researchers, technicians and engineers as an adjunct to universities and college courses.
The CPFR is enabled by a unique partnership between Carleton University and the NRC Federal Government Lab. Both partners have a long history of collaboration and joint initiatives. Most recently intensive collaboration in the fields of organic materials for communications and high-speed optical switching has been taking place with grants from the NCIT (National Capital Institute for Telecommunications). In the organic materials field, Carleton’s expertise played a key role in synthesis of novel organic materials which were used by the NRC to develop prototype organic lasers. In the high-speed optical switching field, optical switching modules were designed at Carleton and developed and tested at the NRC. The newly-opened CPFC at NRC/IMS allows NRC to collaborate with the CPFR project at Carleton with the expertise and capabilities needed for the fabrication and testing of semiconductor optoelectronic devices and components. Carleton’s participation provides expertise in formulating academic programs in support of Ontario High Tech Industries and in the education and training of university researchers, graduate students and technicians.
CPFR Mission
- Development of academic research programs for the creation of scientific knowledge and the development of novel concept and new business models and best practices in the design, fabrication and testing of photonic components and subsystems in collaboration with the CPFC at the NRC and other university fabrication facilities.
- Creation of business and industry relevant knowledge, intellectual property, products, processes, and services with sustainable competitive advantages in collaboration with the CPFC at the NRC.
- Advancement of the education and training of highly qualified professionals to meet future needs of industry and academic institutions.
- Enhancement of economic growth and job creation opportunities by leveraging effective and efficient transfer of knowledge and innovation to business in Ontario and across Canada.
CPFR Research Areas
- InP-based Optoelectronic Active Components (e.g. Lasers, SOAs and PIN Detectors)
- SiO2 on Silicon Planar Lightwave Circuits (PLC)
- Silicon-on-Insulator PLC
- III-V Epitaxial Services
- Depth Perceiving Imaging Systems
- Optical and Near-Infrared Sensors for Biomedical and Environmental Sensing
- Built-in Self Test Optical Structures
- MEMS, MOEMS and other Structures for Alignment and Polarization Compensation
- Laser Pre-distortion and Temperature Compensation
- Integrated Ultra Low Phase Noise Optoelectronic Oscillators
- Image Sensor Tiling and Alignment
- Optoelectronic Interface Circuits and Devices
- Advanced Quantum Well Infrared Devices (Detectors, Imagers and Emitters)
- Photonic Crystal Devices