Canada Research Chair in Spatiotemporal Encryption of Terahertz Light Assisted by Computational Method
About the Chair
Wireless communications systems are by nature easier to intercept than wired ones— and as the world increasingly relies on them, security is ever more critical.
Dr. François Blanchard, Canada Research Chair in Spatiotemporal Encryption of Terahertz Light Assisted by Computational Method, is recognized for his expertise in the design of high-frequency electromagnetic devices and systems based on optoelectronics methods.
The research team of the Chair are combining innovative ideas in active microelectronics with the generation and detection of terahertz (THz) waves by non-linear effects in addition to deep signal processing.
By developing innovative, active THz emitters, detectors and routing optic devices, they hope to pursue new, ultrafast THz sensing methods.
Research
The research program led by Professor Francois Blanchard focuses on pushing the limits of terahertz (THz) science and technology through the development of next-generation detection, imaging, and signal processing techniques.
The key objectives of this ambitious program are:
- Achieve detection sensitivity down to the single THz photon level at room temperature.
- Develop real-time THz detection systems with integrated spatiotemporal coding and decoding functionalities.
- Advance multispectral THz imaging and sensing, leveraging frequency selective surfaces (FSS) for material-specific detection.
- Explore non-linear modeling of THz systems using chaos theory to predict and control complex behaviors.
- Integrate artificial intelligence (AI) for data mining, signal interpretation, and enhanced system performance.
- Design and build a custom high-performance fiber laser tailored for our THz experiments and nonlinear optical processes.
Research Approach
At the heart of this program is the vision to develop innovative THz detection systems capable of transposing ultrafast temporal information into the spatial domain within the near-infrared (NIR) range. This is achieved through cutting-edge nonlinear optical processes, both in free-space and fiber-guided architectures.
A cornerstone of the approach is the integration of state-of-the-art lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) photonic platforms, enabling scalable, efficient, and room-temperature operation. These platforms offer unique advantages for manipulating light at ultrafast timescales and are crucial for achieving the program’s sensitivity and speed goals.
The research also strongly emphasizes collaboration with industrial partners, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer and accelerating the deployment of novel technologies into real-world applications such as:
- secure communications;
- high-speed data transmission;
- advanced imaging systems.
Impact and Novelty
This program pioneers a novel detection scheme for individual THz photons, relying on nonlinear upconversion in non-collinear geometries. A key advantage of this technique is the geometric suppression of the pump signal, essential for quantum-level detection without compromising real-time operation.
Beyond detection, the research explores the fusion of THz waves with AI-driven analysis and chaos theory modeling—paving the way for smart, adaptive THz systems capable of tackling complex, dynamic environments.
The potential impact is far-reaching:
- Enabling real-time secure communication systems with quantum-level sensitivity.
- Enhancing imaging resolution and sensitivity in applications such as biomedical diagnostics, materials characterization, and non-destructive testing.
- Establishing the foundation for quantum optics at THz frequencies, transforming THz technology into a competitive, indispensable tool alongside microwave and optical regimes.
By addressing both fundamental and applied challenges, this chair program stands at the forefront of THz research, charting a path toward the next generation of photonic technologies and quantum-enabled applications.
Collaborations
Job Opportunities
Interested in joining our team? We are always open to welcoming curious and motivated individuals who wish to contribute to innovative research projects.
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- PhD Student
To express your interest, please send your CV and a cover letter to the following address: francois.blanchard@etsmtl.ca.
Contact the Chairholder
Research at ÉTS
ÉTS provides an ideal environment for conceiving and creating the ideas that will shape the world of the future.