Information and communication technologies
Optics-photonics: Expertise and innovation
The presence of global optics-photonics leaders gives Québec a commanding presence in markets related to photonics applications, including analytical instrumentation, tests and measurements, imaging, and high-performance vision, optical communications and fibre-optic systems. Notable examples include ABB 
, Creaform3D , EXFO , MPB Communications and TeraXion .
For the last 50 years, Québec has been a hub of optics-photonics expertise built on knowledge and innovation, offering businesses a wealth of resources and advantages:
- world-class research centres that drive industry developments and serve as partners in new technologies;
- a variety of companies active in global markets;
- a qualified, available workforce.
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Creaform 3D
Creaform, a worldwide leader in 3D portable measurement technologies and 3D engineering services, won a Red Dot Award in 2016 for its HandySCAN 3D scanner along with an Investissement Québec Innovative Manufacturers award in 2017. This portable self-positioning scanner was widely acclaimed for its speed, reliability and forward-thinking design. Thanks to its true flexibility and portability, it can also be used in a variety of applications and environments. -
EXFO
EXFOis one of the largest suppliers of testing and surveillance solutions for network operators and telecom-equipment manufacturers. -
Vanderlande
Preventing aircraft explosions: that’s Vanderlande’s mission in a nutshell! The company’s solution for detecting solid and liquid threats has been tested in several pilot projects at numerous European airports. -
TeraXion
This leader in designing products for high-speed optical communication networks has a product portfolio that includes local oscillators built with ultra-stable lasers and used to synchronize the 64 antennas of the world's most powerful radio telescope, located in Chile. TeraXionalso supplies components for 40- and 100- Gb/s next-generation communication systems.
Research centres with a vision!
Institut national d’optique (INO)
INO is a world-class institution specializing in applied optics and photonics and the largest centre for industrial optics-photonics expertise in Canada. It has been serving businesses for over 20 years.
Centre d’optique, photonique et laser (COPL), Université Laval
COPL , Canada’s biggest university research centre in optics-photonics, specializes in guided-wave optics and fibre optics, lasers and short pulses, optical communications, biophotonics, optical engineering and photonic materials. In its role as a research incubator, COPL is ideally positioned to attract some of the world’s top researchers, and does so successfully year after year.
Bright prospects for Québec’s optics-photonics industry
Québec’s optics-photonics industry is very active. To accelerate its growth still further, the Québec Photonic Network (QPN), an association representing stakeholders active in the sector, works to promote the industry.
