The Physics DepartmentUsing advanced optics and photonic components, we build apparatus that allow us to see and control on microscopic length scales and ultrafast time scales in novel ways. Some projects have direct industrial applications and we work closely with companies (both Canadian and international) to develop novel solutions to relevant real-world problems. We have particular interests in sensors, laser surgery, laser processing of materials and laser welding. If you are a prospective graduate student with a background in engineering physics, electrical engineering, systems design, optical engineering, or a similar field, this might be an interesting opportunity for you.
As a graduate student you will learn about optical design, how to build strong industrial partnerships, intellectual property creation and management, and how to become an inventor. One piece of advice: no matter where you start graduate school, find out if you as a student own your own inventions. You might be surprised to find that this is usually not the case.
Example Publications:
- P.J.L. Webster, L.G. Wright, Y. Ji, C.M. Galbraith, A.W. Kinross, C. Van Vlack, and J.M. Fraser "Automatic laser welding and milling with in situ inline coherent imaging." Optics Letters 39: 6217-6220 (2014).
- P.J.L. Webster, L.G. Wright, K.D. Mortimer, B.Y.Leung, J.X.Z. Yu, and J.M. Fraser, "Automatic real-time guidance of laser machining with inline coherent imaging", Proceedings of ICALEO (Anaheim): P138 (2010) (PDF 409KB)