Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Mission Alliance Grant
2023-2026
590 000$
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for mitigating climate changes. In its 2030 emissions reduction plan, Canada targets to reduce its emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Although methane represents 11% of greenhouse gases, it has 86 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Therefore, it is particularly important to reduce anthropogenic methane emissions. Agriculture contributed to 29% Canada's total methane emissions in 2019, most of it coming from biological sources, such as livestock production through enteric fermentation. The global objective of this proposal is to develop a platform, based on an optical nose on chip, allowing the monitoring of methane emissions in dairy farms to validate and refine the effect of on-farm interventions to reduce methane produced by cows in lactation. The mission of our partner Lactanet is to advise 6800 producers across Canada to improve the sustainability and profitability of dairy farms. The optical nose will be fabricated on a silicon chip using similar processes as the ones used in microelectronics industry and have an array of optical microresonators in polymers. Such approach allows low-cost fabrication of large numbers of sensors necessary for the deployment in production dairy farms. Indeed, the high cost of commercial sensors available on the market are preventing their use at large scale. In this project, we will apply machine learning strategies to the optical nose, which will be placed in the feeding box of the milking robot. To develop reliable algorithms rendering a 24h methane emission, it is necessary to develop models correlating data from methane sensors in the feeding box, which are taken for 5 minutes 3 times a day, with continuous methane emission recorded from a metabolic chamber. The latter will be realized in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Better understanding and accurate monitoring of methane emissions have a great potential not only to reduce the environmental impact, but also for improved animal health, and increased productivity. Indeed, methane production can consume up to 12% of the energy ingested by cattle.
Collaborators: Prof. Y.-A. Peter (PI), Prof. W. Skene (University of Montréal), Dr. D. Chételat, Dr. C. Benchaar (Agriculture et Agri-Food Canada)
Partner: Lactanet (Dr. D. Santschi et Dr. D. Maxime)
Mitacs Accelerate Grant
2022-2026
370 000$
IPAAS is a 4-year project that targets implementing several critical components of the Photonic AI accelerator system (PAAS). The PAAS aims to address the issue of massive energy consumption of digital AI systems. A typical AI computing system that has 8-server units consumes 20 kW of power and is estimated to cause GHG emissions of ~ 617 tCO2/year. The PAAS aims to reduce the energy consumption, and the associated emissions, of such systems by at least 5x.
The PAAS consists of three subsystems: The photonic compute engine, analog interface subsystem, and digital system. The photonic system consists of the photonic tensor core (PTC) that performs matrix multiplication in the photonic domain and the electro-optic (EO) and opto-electric (OE) conversion blocks. The analog subsystem creates the high-speed interface between the photonic system and the digital system. Finally, the digital system performs system control functions and executes the AI compute instructions received from the external host.
The research project aims to create a complete standalone photonic computing system that accelerate AI inference workloads. The proposed research project focuses on improving the efficiency of the PTC and EO/OE blocks in the photonic system, optimizing the analog interface blocks such as the TIA and optical modulator drivers, and implementing the digital system to streamline the operations of the AI inference execution.
Collaborators: Profs. O. Liboiron-Ladouceur (PI, McGill University), G. Cowan (Concordia University), Y.-A. Peter
Partner: 3e8 Inc.
Quantum Photonics Québec grant
2023-2024
190 040$
Quantum devices rely on the generation of entangled photons pairs generated by the process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) with carefully engineered spectral correlations. In addition to introducing spectral requirements, scalability and miniaturization becomes increasingly critical for realizing complex quantum systems. Waveguides can be used as quantum light sources and also to route photons on chips where a huge number of components are packaged compactly. They can be engineered to offer good optical confinement, low propagation and coupling losses. In this project, we propose to design, build and characterize a gallium nitride (GaN) quantum light source with variable brightness, going from photon pairs to bright squeezed light. The GaN crystal will be epitaxially grown in different directions through successive microfabrication processes. Such configuration enables to vary the second order nonlinear susceptibility and tailor it so that the effective nonlinearity has any given
functional form along the propagation direction. By engineering a continuous Gaussian effective nonlinearity, we propose to demonstrate high purity photons pair sources and twin-beams. These sources are critical in integrated quantum optics applications, especially for quantum computers. Moreover, squeezed light enables measurements with sensitivity beyond the quantum shot-noise limit, such non-classical light would find applications to develop the next generation of sensors. In terms of efficiency, this GaN photon-pair source will generate more photon-pairs per unit of input intensity than the state of art photon-pair sources and therefore of great industrial interest. In addition to being the most efficient, GaN is a III-V semiconductor, allowing the integration of active components such as lasers and photodetectors. This would be the first step to build a quantum device with all the necessary components integrated.
Collaborators: Profs. N. Quesada (PI), C. Allen (Laval University), J. Genest (Laval University), Y.-A. Peter
Partners: Ki3, Xanadu
Subvention de projets de recherche en équipe, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT)
2021-2024
$150 000
Ultrasound imaging is a way of probing the body to make a diagnosis that is inexpensive, non-invasive and portable, allowing its repeated use and allows for better monitoring of diseases. Until recently, the quality of ultrasound images was limited and this type of imaging was often done before being able to access a large imager such as magnetic resonance or computed tomography. However, several innovations in recent years have shown that it is now possible to obtain better vascularization images than by any other imaging modality, which would allow a better understanding of the cardiovascular components of neurodegenerative diseases. heart disease, for example. We are working on the development of this technology and in particular its generalization in three dimensions. However, to make such images in three dimensions, we use a matrix of elements that can emit and receive ultrasounds that are difficult to build and that force us to work under suboptimal conditions. In this project, we propose to completely transform the piezoelectric technology currently used to detect ultrasound, using in its place an optical detection. Optical measurements are known as the most efficient measurements; this is the type of method that has recently been used to detect gravitational waves for example. The device we invented should allow us to obtain better ultrasound images at a lower cost and require smaller equipment. The goal of the project is to build a first prototype and validate it in vivo. In the long term, this research project could lead to a change in technology for the construction of ultrasound probes for vascular imaging that could lead to better diagnosis and cost reduction for the health system.
Collaborators: Profs. J. Provost (PI), D. Seletsky, Y.-A. Peter
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Alliance Grant
2021-2024
906 240$
Global transition to a digital society has billions using microelectronic technology in their day-to-day activities. The increasing demand for miniaturization, speed, and reliability must be satisfied with a compact combination of multiple microchips. The technical constraints are quickly surpassing the capabilities of conventional circuit boards. Thus, silicon interposers, a high-cost, high-performance packaging solution for integrating multiple kinds of chips, have gained popularity in research and commercialization. This proposal will develop and prove the first low-cost, accessible silicon interposer technology made-in-Canada.
Collaborators: Profs. D. Drouin (PI, Sherbrooke University), M. Pioro-Ladrière (Sherbrooke University), B. Gosselin (Laval University), W.T. Ng (Toronto University), J.-G. Fontaine (Sherbrooke University), Y.-A. Peter
Partners: CMC Microsystems, SBQuantum and Xanadu
Department of National Defence, Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
2019-2023
$1 500 000
This project aims to develop the enabling technologies for cost-effective batch fabrication and packaging of high-performance infrared sensors. Although infrared imaging was historically developed for military applications, the biggest opportunities for growth are now in commercial markets. The market for uncooled infrared imaging systems is currently estimated at 350 000 units and expected to grow to nearly 1.2 million units by 2016. Infrared imaging is recognized as an important green technology because of its numerous applications in environmental monitoring, thermography, process control, and inspection and maintenance of industrial equipment. Commercial vision applications include surveillance, automotive and maritime safety, and fire-fighting.
The main technical hurdles addressed in this project include the development wafer-level vacuum packaging, low-temperature 3D-integration with electronics, cost-efficient deposition of high quality temperature sensitive thin-film structures, and multi-physics modeling. Leveraging the resources of the partner universities, the Université de Sherbrooke and the École Polytechnique de Montréal, with industrial partners Teledyne DALSA, SPTS Technology, and the newly established MiQro Innovation Collaborative Center (C2MI) in Bromont (Québec), we develop a novel approach for the cost-effective wafer-level fabrication and packaging of high-performance infrared imaging sensors. The project does not only exploit the world-class facilities of C2MI for developing the infrared sensor, it also contributes to a wide range of new processes and know-how, notably in the high-demand areas of 3D semiconductor integration and packaging.
Collaborators: Profs. O. Moutanabbir (PI), G. Botton (McMaster University), P. Charette (Sherbrooke University), E. Abdulhakem (University of Alberta), S. Francoeur, H. Guo (McGill University), S. Kéna-Cohen, D. Seletsky, and Y.-A. Peter
Subvention de projets de recherche en équipe, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT)
2018-2021
$162 000
Fast and precise identification of individual cells in heterogeneous samples including including many cell types is essential in many fields of research and in application fields in medicine. To date, high throughput cell characterization is done with flow cytometers that use cell size and granularity parameters in addition to several fluorescence measurements obtained by the use of dyes or antibodies coupled to fluorochromes. We propose that the measurement of the refractive index of individual cells in a microfluidic device coupled with flow cytometry will better define a wide variety of primary cell lines or cells. Our preliminary data indicate that refractive index measurement distinguishes cellular subtypes differentiated from a cell line, whereas these same cells are indistinguishable by cytometry. Thus, the non-fluorescent parameter refractive index provides an additional level of resolution. We propose that the measurement of the refractive index will lead to a better definition and detection of the cellular subtypes present in complex biological samples. Ultimately, this will improve the rapid and accurate identification of cellular subtypes. Objective 1 - To determine the refractive index of several cell types. We will measure the refractive index of various human cell lines as well as primary blood cells from healthy donors or abnormal cell carriers (eg leukemia) in order to establish the ability of the device to identify various types of cells Objective 2 - To establish the sensitivity of our device to detect abnormal cells among healthy cells. Comparing the sensitivity of our device with that of a cytometer will allow us to directly evaluate the performance of our approach. We will use abnormal cells (lines and leukemic cells) introduced at ratios ranging from one cell in 100 to one cell per 100 000 normal blood cells in order to define the limit of detection of the device. Objective 3 - In parallel with objectives 1 and 2, the device will be optimized in order to increase the flow rate of analyzed cells and to accommodate the great heterogeneity of the cells present in the peripheral blood. This objective will allow us to facilitate the integration of our device in flow cytometry devices or cell counters. This stage of technological development is essential to maximize the potential applications of our technology.
Collaborators: Profs. Y.-A. Peter (PI), S. Lesage (Montréal University), J.-S. Delisle (Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Idea to Innovation Grant
2017-2018
$125 000
2016
$25 000
Collaborator: Odotech
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Engage Grant
2017
$25 000
Collaborator: Senswear
Subvention de projets de recherche en équipe, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT)
2013-2016
$153 000
The objective of this proposal is to significantly improve the resolution of the morphologic measurement of cells performed by flow cytometry units and cell analyzers. Since the inception of flow cytometry units, the only morphologic measurements of cells have been size and granularity. We originally propose to add a flow cytometry parameter to simultaneously acquire information on the refractive index of cells, which will limit the need for additional microscopy investigations. In addition, automated analyzers with additional morphologic measurements will enhance the information provided to hematologists and will allow them to readily interpret problematic samples without having to proceed to expensive blood film or blood smear analysis.
Collaborators: Profs. Y.-A. Peter (PI), S. Lesage (Montréal University), J.-S. Delisle (Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital)
Subvention de projets de recherche en équipe, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT)
2013-2016
$191 050
Collaborators: Profs. M. Rochette (PI, McGill University), Y.-A. Peter, Y. Messaddeq
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Engage Grant
2014-2015
$25 000
The objective of the project is to perform a feasibility study and a design of a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-mounted silicon nanowire optical waveguides (SiP) device using a novel actuation configuration providing the missing stability and precision, with a focus on studying the limitations of the MEMS-SiP technology.
Collaborator: Huawei
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Engage Grant
2013
$25 000
Miniaturized Lab-on-a-Chip sensor alternatives to spectroscopic and chromatographic analytical techniques designed to detect air-borne compounds are essential for inexpensive monitoring systems that are portable and/or deployable on a large scale. In the mining industry specifically, mineral extraction is carried out by fracturing the bedrock with explosives and is followed by removal with diesel-powered machinery. These activities release toxic gases that can be deadly upon exposure to threshold concentrations, while prolonged low concentration exposures can cause severe health problems. Our industrial partner, Meglab, uses gas sensors to monitor over 70 km of underground mines. The current technology relies on accumulative sensors that saturate rapidly and require frequent replacements of expensive equipment, carried out by manned operations. Thus, they need an innovative solution for a sensor with a longer life time in harsh environment. An optics based sensor is a promising solution.
We propose a reversible optical gas sensor having ppm sensitivity that is capable of evaluating the concentration of toxic gas targets, CO, NO2 and SO2, in a continuous manner in underground mining environments. The signal transducer is an on-chip Fabry-Perot (FP) microcavity, while the sensing element consists of a polymer, into which the target gas will be selectively absorbed with a particular partitioning coefficient. The gas sensor is based on reversible polymer volume expansion upon gas absorption, which deforms part of the FP and leads to detectable shifts in the monitored resonance conditions. This Optical nose (ONose) will be: 1) able to monitor selectively targeted toxic gases (CO, NO2, SO2), 2) operate in a reversible fashion, such that it will not suffer from permanent saturation and 3) capable of detecting < 5 ppm concentrations during a long operational life-time, below the levels deemed to cause health problems. This ONose will operate in mining environmental conditions, can be parallelized and incorporated in large optical fiber networks for remote sensing operations involving the survey of large areas.
Partner: Meglab
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Collaborative Research and Development Grant, Prompt, Mitacs
2012-2016
$4 791 423
This project aims to develop the enabling technologies for cost-effective batch fabrication and packaging of high-performance infrared sensors. Although infrared imaging was historically developed for military applications, the biggest opportunities for growth are now in commercial markets. The market for uncooled infrared imaging systems is currently estimated at 350 000 units and expected to grow to nearly 1.2 million units by 2016. Infrared imaging is recognized as an important green technology because of its numerous applications in environmental monitoring, thermography, process control, and inspection and maintenance of industrial equipment. Commercial vision applications include surveillance, automotive and maritime safety, and fire-fighting.
The main technical hurdles addressed in this project include the development wafer-level vacuum packaging, low-temperature 3D-integration with electronics, cost-efficient deposition of high quality temperature sensitive thin-film structures, and multi-physics modeling. Leveraging the resources of the partner universities, the Université de Sherbrooke and the École Polytechnique de Montréal, with industrial partners Teledyne DALSA, SPTS Technology, and the newly established MiQro Innovation Collaborative Center (C2MI) in Bromont (Québec), we develop a novel approach for the cost-effective wafer-level fabrication and packaging of high-performance infrared imaging sensors. The project does not only exploit the world-class facilities of C2MI for developing the infrared sensor, it also contributes to a wide range of new processes and know-how, notably in the high-demand areas of 3D semiconductor integration and packaging.
Collaborators: Profs. P. Charette (PI), D. Drouin, S. Charlebois, L. Fréchette (Sherbrooke University), and P. Desjardins, Y.-A. Peter, O. Moutanabbir
Partner: Teledyne Dalsa
Subvention de projets de recherche en équipe, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT)
2010-2013
$168 526
Collaborators: Profs. S. Lacroix (PI), N. Godbout, Y.-A. Peter (PI), M. Rochette (McGill University)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Strategic Grant
2008-2011
$543 100
We develop novel ultra-sensitive on-chip bacteria sensors based on functionalized optical microcavities by phages. The sensitivity is reached through a thermo-optical effect that produces a shift in the optical resonance of the cavity. Since the cavity has an extremely high quality factor, the detection is therefore highly sensitive. In addition the detection does not require prior labeling of the analyte, reducing significantly the analysis time. The technique allows fast detection of very low concentrations, likely single cells, opening the door to applications where detection time is required to be significantly shorter than the proliferation of the bacteria. The lab-on-chip will be able to identify a wide range of specific bacterial species and strains, e.g. Staphylococcus Aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Borrelia Burgdorferi (medical applications); Listeria, Salmonella, Staphylococci, Streptococci (food safety); E-coli, Clostridium, Anthrax (water and environment); and Legionella Pneumophilia (cooling systems).
Collaborators: Profs. Y.-A. Peter (PI), L. J. Dubé (Université Laval), J. L. Nadeau (McGill University)
Partners: MPB Communications Inc., AvidBiotics Corp.
Subvention de projets de recherche en équipe, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT)
2007-2010
$181 244
Les microcavités optiques sont des structures diélectriques qui permettent le stockage de puissance optique dans des volumes de quelques micromètres à des fréquences de résonnance spécifiques. Ce phénomène a des applications en optique (petites tailles de faisceau laser pour lecture/écriture des CD/DVD), télécommunication (transmission laser à longue distance), et dans les senseurs bio-chimiques (protéines et eau lourde). La puissance optique est principalement située sur les bords de la cavité, ce qui rend le dispositif très sensible à son environnement et par conséquent en fait un senseur très intéressant. Par analogie avec les modes acoustiques, les modes propres des résonateurs diélectriques bidimensionnels sont de type "whispering gallery". Ces modes sont caractérisés par un grand confinement de la lumière près de la frontière de la cavité et permettent donc un bon couplage avec l'extérieur. Chaque mode propre est caractérisé par sa longueur d'onde, son facteur de qualité et sa directionnalité imposée en partie par la symétrie spatiale du système. Les études effectuées jusqu'à présent montrent l'effet d'un certain nombre de paramètres sur ces caractéristiques, à savoir: la forme et la taille de la cavité, l'indice de réfraction ainsi que la différence d'indice avec l'extérieur. Le contrôle de ces paramètres et la compréhension de leur influence sur les caractéristiques d’émission sont à la base de ce projet. Notre but est la réalisation d’applications de ces microcavités dans le domaine des senseurs bio-chimiques, des modulateurs compacts, des coupleurs accordables ou des dispositifs optiques non-linéaires.
Collaborators: Profs. Y.-A. Peter (PI), L. J. Dubé (Laval University)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Strategic Grant
2006-2009
$515 000
We develop novel ultra-sensitive tunable photonic crystals (PhCs) that are used at specific optical resonances to detect bio-labeled quantum dots (QDs). It is envisioned that the sensitivity enhancement will be such that the time consuming DNA extraction and PCR amplification steps usually needed prior to the analysis might be eliminated. This will of course lead to a drastic reduction of the analysis time. In addition, in contrast to conventional fluorophores, QDs that have extremely narrow emission spectra, allow to move beyond single parameter biochemical paradigms towards routine multianalyte detection schemes. This aspect is of central importance, since biochemical reactions do not exist or operate in isolation, and every reaction is dependent on many other reactions through the principles of biochemical networks, reaction kinetics, and equilibria. Today, spectral data are collected with discrete optics, or are dispersed onto an array for detection, whereas our approach based on bio-labeled QDs, which emission is selectively enhanced by the tunable photonic crystal. The latter will be integrated on a lab-on-chip aimed for point of care diagnostics (POTC), with on-board microfluidics enabling the handling of extremely small volumes of analytes, in particular the accurate delivery of solutions containing QDs.
The lab-on-chip will be able to measure the relevant biochemical parameters, and provide the information base to better understand and effectively treat infectious diseases in shorter time. The implementation of these new technologies in a POTC that can be produced at relatively low cost will represent a significant reduction in wait times, treatment delays and eventually more effective and efficient treatment for afflicted patients. By eliminating the need for costly laboratory testing for initial diagnosis, this new technology will also provide significant cost savings to health-care providers.
Collaborators: Profs. Y.-A. Peter (PI), M. Skorobogatiy, O. Guenat, J. L. Nadeau (McGill University)
Partners: Nanometrix, Altairnano
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Collaborative Research and Development Grant
2006-2009
$90 000
The goal of the project is to fabricate devices made of vertical silicon walls of micrometric size, compatible with optical fibers and thus adapted to the optical telecommunication and sensor networks. The basic element of these devices is a silicon wall manufactured by micromachining techniques. A number of useful components are designed by combing several walls together having specific thicknesses as well as those of the air gaps in between. Spectral mirrors, filters and sensors are among the relevant applications of such gratings. The components are compact (whatever functionality, only four silicon walls are in general sufficient to obtain the targeted response) and they are deformable by means of applied electric voltages. The project includes manufacturing of such Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), tests and demonstration of prototypes. As
an example application, we build a tunable fiber laser using such a grating.
Collaborators: Profs. Y.-A. Peter (PI), N. Godbout, S. Lacroix, M. Skorobogatiy, R. Kashyap
Partner: MPB Communications Inc.
