As part of our support, we had the pleasure of interviewing François Légaré, full professor at the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS). He is also Director of the Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, specializing in matter imaging, molecular imaging and nonlinear optical microscopy of biological tissues.
François Légaré has been involved in scientific research for many years, and has made a major contribution to scientific advances in the field of ultrafast laser science and technology through various large-scale projects.
Can you tell us a bit about the project you’ve funded? What issues does it address?
“This is a collaborative project between two Quebec companies to develop laser pulses in the mid-infrared spectral region, i.e. between 2 and 20 microns. This spectral region is little explored in terms of available laser technologies. The aim of the project is to design new laser configurations and architectures to access this spectral range, which is of great importance for many scientific applications, particularly in fundamental research, such as the control of molecules. In addition, there are societal applications, notably in detection, which take advantage of this rapidly expanding spectral region.
We are currently at a relatively early stage of technological development (low TRL). We are testing new schemes for generating and amplifying laser pulses in the mid-infrared. This project also explores the use of optical fibers as a means of amplification in this specific spectral range. Our collaboration with few-cycle Inc. is based on an architecture patented by INRS, already demonstrated at 1.8 microns, which we are successfully extending to the mid-infrared.”
How did the project come about?
“It all started with a one-to-one collaboration with the two companies, few-cycle Inc. and O/E Land. The meeting with O/E Land took place in 2016 at an industry event, a day dedicated to partnerships with industry. For few-cycle Inc. it’s a company that emerged from the research of my team, and more particularly of Mr. Bruno E. Schmidt when he was a postdoctoral fellow and research associate at INRS. An initial PROMPT-funded project ran from 2015 to 2018.
As we realized the scale of the project to be undertaken, we proposed to the two companies that they work together on the project. The idea was to leverage more resources and enable more significant development.”
What are the next steps in the development of this project?
“With O/E Land, our goal was to develop a laser based on fiber optics. However, during the first three years, we needed an essential element that we were lacking. That’s when our research partner developed another near-infrared laser. This laser will be used to modify the optical fibers, a crucial step in finalizing the project.
In collaboration with few-cycle Inc. we plan to further develop this technology, based on the work carried out by INRS. Our aim is to improve on the performance and specifications achieved in the first three years, using more advanced laser technologies than those employed previously.
During the first three years of the project, our work focused mainly on the use of laser technologies – titanium-sapphire – dating back 15 years. Now, our main objective is to foster innovation and the development of new Ytterbium-based technologies to go beyond what has been achieved so far.”
Have you already seen any spin-offs from the project, such as product or process innovations, new jobs, additional sales?
“Firstly, I am delighted that we have recruited a student from Iran with our industrial partner, O/E Land. He completed his master’s studies at INRS, and we’re proud that he has integrated perfectly into the industrial environment and will continue to contribute to the development of this sector. He now works for O/E Land.
Secondly, with regard to our collaboration with few-cycle Inc. it should be noted that their laser technology is widely used in academic research. We have even been approached by foreign academic institutions wishing to work with us on a prototype with significant commercial potential.
Finally, as part of our partnership with O/E Land, our aim is to build an amplifier. However, before we get there, we have already developed a femtosecond laser source, which is already a product marketed by this company.
Since we’ve been working with these two companies, we’ve noticed that many of the developments we undertake end up becoming niche commercial products, which is a source of great satisfaction.”
What were the benefits of PROMPT’s support?
“In Canada, and particularly in Quebec, we are fortunate to have public organizations such as PROMPT, which play an essential role in improving our partnership projects, which we also submit to NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada).
The need for research staff is undeniable and represents a significant cost, approaching $120,000 per year per person. PROMPT’s support enables us to strengthen our teams by recruiting qualified researchers. This exceptional support also extends to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, providing them with an optimal framework of support.
The creation of these teams enables us not only to keep them in place, but also to perpetuate our partnerships beyond the initial 3-year project period. This paves the way for long-term partnerships, which considerably strengthens our competitiveness on the Canadian and international research scene.”
If you could sum up PROMPT’s support or benefits in a single sentence or quote?
“I’d like to express my gratitude to the PROMPT staff, who stand out for their proactive commitment to supporting the creation of research partnerships. They don’t just allocate financial resources, they go far beyond. Their involvement translates into valuable recommendations and suggestions, testifying to their sincere desire to see projects succeed. Their dedication goes beyond the financial aspects, and takes on a deep personal dimension. On behalf of myself, my team and my partners, we thank them.
