Quantum research at the NRC

Our capabilities

Our quantum research expertise encompasses research, materials design, testing and device fabrication. We use these capabilities in a number of areas to develop technologies for the environment, health and security sectors:

• Sensing: We are working to develop a new generation of sensor systems that perform beyond the limits of classical physics and can be engineered and commercialized for priority application areas that benefit Canadians. This includes advancing photonic-based quantum sensing technologies that will be integrated onto chips.
• Communications: We aim to scale quantum technologies from components into interconnected quantum systems with the overarching goal of enabling quantum communication at a distance. These efforts will form the building blocks of more powerful quantum systems by getting heterogeneous devices to speak to each other while preserving the exchange of quantum information. Testbeds will be used to de-risk the interoperability of quantum components and inform standards.
• Computing: We are working with research partners across Canada to develop new algorithms that can take advantage of powerful, large-scale quantum computers. These computers can solve complex problems that regular computers can't handle. We are also working on new technologies like quantum error correction and compiling, which will help us move closer to making commercial-scale quantum computers a reality.
• Materials: We are engineering new materials at the molecular and nanoscale levels to impart properties that go well beyond those found in current technology. We are harnessing and manipulating the quantum properties of materials for sensing, imaging, communications and computing. Building on decades of expertise in materials sciences, we continue to push boundaries in developing materials with advanced electrical properties for applications in electrical sensing, radio frequency communications and green energy.
• Metrology: We collaborate with international peers on the development of measurement standards to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of emerging quantum technologies, including participating in the launch of the National Metrology Institute Quantum Initiative and developing testbeds to validate quantum technologies.

Our collaborative quantum research programs

Discover the NRC's Challenge programs and initiatives that support Canada's goals for commercial and government innovations in quantum:

Facilities and labs

Learn more about the NRC's facilities and labs that can help you develop, test and validate quantum research and technology:

• Advanced, non-linear optical imaging and microscopy (CARSLab) research facility
• Electronic and Photonic Devices Lab
• Fibre Bragg grating prototype service
• Frequency and time calibration services
• NRC–uOttawa Joint Centre for Extreme Photonics
• Surface analysis and material characterization facility

Success stories

Learn more about our significant milestones and accomplishments in the field of quantum research.

Why work with us

We work with Canadian and international stakeholders and clients to advance science and accelerate and de-risk innovation. We have significant strengths and expertise in photonics, semiconductors and quantum mechanics. We bring a multidisciplinary approach to everything we do and collaborate with other sectors via other NRC research centres. And we have mechanisms, such as our Challenge programs, to facilitate collaborations and fill an important niche in the technology innovation system. We provide grant and contribution funding to enable academic, private and international collaboration in joint R&D. Our collaborative R&D and funding model supports research across the spectrum from early-stage research to prototype development and is a proven path towards commercialization and early adoption.

This model, whereby NRC researchers can collaborate with Canadian academics, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous governments and organizations as well as international academics, has proven to be agile and inclusive.

Image gallery

Videos

Super magnet assembly to improve optical systems

Learn about adaptive optics which can improve the performance of land-based telescopes and ground-to-space communications.

360˚video: Joint Attosecond Science Laboratory

The Joint Attosecond Science Laboratory at the NRC in Ottawa is the result of a special partnership between the NRC and the University of Ottawa.

Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre

Discover our cutting-edge facility for creating and testing photonic devices.