Program
Modern computers rely on electricity and wires to operate. With the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as ChatGPT, these systems have becomes increasingly energy intensive and inefficient. We envision a future where computers are light-based (photonics) and networked in a way that mimics the brain’s neural architecture.
To support this vision, the NSERC-funded CREATE training program, the Network for Ultrafast Computing with Light on Emerging Unconventional Semiconductors (NUCLEUS), has been established as Canada’s (and the world’s) first formal training program in photonic computing.
This program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in. academia and industry by offering training in professional skills, technical skills, along with internships centered around three research pillars.
Research Pillars
Pillar 1: Photonics & Quantum for AI
Accelerating AI with light
Focusing on the design and demonstration of photonics systems that enable high-bandwidth, low latency, but low-energy computing with applications to combinatorial optimization (drug discovery and biocatalysts) and real-time signal processing (in astronomy and particle accelerators). This research pillar focuses on devices, circuits and architecture, hardware algorithms, and investigating photonic processors.
Pillar 2: AI for Photonics & Quantum
Brain-inspired quantum information
Focusing on the of design photonic devices using AI and building quantum photonic networks, inspired by the brain, for applications in sensing (healthcare and navigation), communication (cryptography), and material discovery. This pillar focuses on deep learning and inverse design algorithms, building blocks of quantum networks, and their real-time control and tomography.
Pillar 3: Photonic Cloud Computing
Make it accessible!
We aim to create a platform that makes photonic computing hardware accessible to anyone. Users can log in from anywhere and harness the power of these advanced computers, requiring no knowledge of photonics and no affiliation with a specific academic institution.
Program Overview
Anyone can join section(s) of our training program, however, only those who attend Carleton University, Queen’s University, the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Toronto are eligible to apply for funding support.
There are three divisions of our training program: professional skills (e.g. I-EDIAA), technical skills (e.g. computing courses), and mobility (e.g., internship).
Professional Skills
- Workshop on I-EDIAA principles
- Seminar for innovation strategies
- Intellectual Property Training
- Workshop on effective mentorship
- Seminar on Project and Time Management
- Workshop on Science Communication
Technical Skills
- Core courses
a. Silicon photonics and neuromorphic computing
b. Quantum silicon photonic computing*MSc Trainees: Take one of the courses above. *PhD Trainees: Take Silicon Photonics and Neuromorphic Computing; optional participation in Quantum silicon photonic computing
- Workshop participation
a. Silicon photonics fabrication workshop
b. Neural Engineering Workshop *MSc Trainees: Workshop participation is optional but recommended *PhD Trainees: one of the workshops above is mandatory. - Design-fabricate-test practical training activity as part of the courses/workshops
- Multifaceted technical mentorship
- NUCLEUS Symposium and Summer school – multi-day event for students and industrial presentations, a poster competition, hackathon, I-EDIAA seminar, and pitch competition
Mobility
4-6 month internship with an industry partner or university institution
(Optional but encouraged)