As computer chips approach the nanometer-scale size, it is becoming increasingly clear that the next revolution in computing technologies will be enabled by quantum computing. A pioneer in quantum technologies aimed at quantum computing, the Canadian company D-wave Systems has developed quantum annealing processors consisting of superconducting circuit that can be used as efficient devices […]

The use of water sources with high silica concentration has proven to be a major challenge for the operation of steam boilers. Despite advances in conventional technologies, high silica water (>150 mg/L) continues to have a major impact on the operation and efficiency of boilers mainly due to silica deposit, which reduces heat transfer. This […]

Infectious diseases ranging from avian influenza to Ebola virus infection are among the most serious health emergencies in Canada and globally. Current diagnosis methods such as cell culture, ELISA and PCR suffer from inaccuracy, high-cost and lengthy procedures. Therefore, there has been a growing trend to develop new point-of-care diagnostic tools and microfluidic devices are […]

The idea of using light for transferring data has been developed rapidly since 1960s. Today, using light for short-distance communication, as an alternative for copper wires, is rapidly growing mostly because of its broadband communication characteristics. Optical communication systems consist of both electronic and photonic components. Designing such systems will benefit from an Integrated Development […]

High-performance Ge-on-Si photodetectors are of lower cost and can be monolithically integrated with Si based integrated circuits for on-chip optical communications to increase computing speed. Process modeling is essential for structure and processing conditions design, but the current photonic design tools are too simplified for this task. This research is to implement process models in […]

The idea of using light for transferring data has been developed rapidly since 1960s. Today, using light for short-distance communication, as an alternative for copper wires, is rapidly growing mostly because of its broadband communication characteristics. Optical communication systems consist of both electronic and photonic components. Designing such systems will benefit from an Integrated Development […]

The proposed project focuses on the research & development of efficient electrode materials for use in the Chlorate Process that produces bleaching agents used in the pulp & paper industry. As an electrochemical process, significant portions of the production costs of chlorate are attributable to electrical power consumption; therefore, improvements in energetic efficiency would result […]

This project develops programmable micro-lens arrays made from soft, temperature-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). Using digital micromirror lithography, the research will enable lenses that can adjust their focus through controlled shape changes. The collaboration between the University of Waterloo and Kent State University aims to advance adaptive optics for next-generation imaging and sensing technologies.

The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals and organic pollutants represents a global environmental challenge, threatening human health and ecological balance. Conventional treatment methods, such as chemical precipitation and membrane separation, are costly, ineficient at low concentrations, and generate secondary waste. Adsorption emerges as a promising alternative due to its simplicity and eficiency; however, […]

This project aims to integrate nanostructured thin films directly onto luminescent materials to obtain a miniature single-mode laser source emitting over a narrow frequency band at higher power than other existing miniature laser device technologies can achieve. The ability to operate in single mode relies on the concepts of exceptional points in polarization space and […]

Access to clean water is a critical global challenge, with billions facing water scarcity or contamination. This project aims to develop a sustainable water purification system that uses solar energy to convert contaminated or salty water into clean water, offering a low-cost, off-grid solution for rural and resource-limited communities. The system will use solar-driven interfacial […]

We are seeking to bring to market a new moisture barrier layer for firefighting and other protective gear. Currently used PFAS based moisture barriers dominate the market but are responsible for causing both cancer and microplastic water contamination. Efforts to find effective alternatives are hampered by the need for replacement products to meet high performance […]