Backgrounder
September 30, 2008
BUILDING ONTARIO’S INNOVATION ECONOMY
Digital Media And Information And Communications Technologies
University of Waterloo
Dr. Slim Boumaiza
Developing portable, flexible, cost competitive wireless communications
Provincial Funding: $230,624
Much like microelectronics propelled the computer industry, Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Cognitive Radio (CR) technologies are advancing wireless communications. These technologies enable global interoperability (the ability to use and exchange information anywhere) and enhanced spectrum utilization (more airway space), but their development requires solutions to a number of technological challenges. That’s the focus of research being done by Dr. Slim Boumaiza at the University of Waterloo. His goal is to develop the next-generation of intelligent, software enabled and cognitive radios – and maintain Ontario’s leadership in the field of wireless communications.
Dr. Kevin Resch
Laboratory for optical quantum computation and communication technologies
Provincial Funding: $130,000
Quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize the way we compute and communicate information from rapid processing to secure transmission of information. At a new laboratory for optical quantum computation and communication at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Kevin Resch is focused on harnessing the quantum properties of light for applications ranging from fundamental physics to developing advanced cryptography devices. His work will lead to quantum technology commercialization in Ontario—and keep the province at the forefront of the quantum revolution.
Dr. Dayan Ban
Developing the next generation of communications products
Provincial Funding: $100,000
Radio-frequency/microwave band and visible/infrared light band electromagnetic frequencies have been widely used for many applications including radar, cable television and the cell phone. The frequencies between these electromagnetic bands—terahertz frequencies—have remained underdeveloped despite their potential for applications in chemical detection, medical/security imaging and optical wireless communication. Dr. Dayan Ban at the University of Waterloo is exploiting the teraherz frequencies with the goal of designing and fabricating terahertz devices, which could lead to next-generation imaging systems and communications products.
Dr. David Nairn
Developing the next-generation of converters to translate between the digital and analog worlds
Provincial funding: $50,000
A digital to analog converter (DAC) is a device for converting a digital (binary) code to an analog signal and an analog to digital converter (ADC) performs the reverse operation. High speed, high accuracy DACs and ADCs are essential components of most current and future imaging and communications systems being developed by image processing and communications companies in Ontario and around the world. At the University of Waterloo Dr. David Nairn is using a sophisticated “low-jitter testbench” to develop the next-generation of high-speed converters that translate between the digital and analog worlds.
Dr. Jonathan Baugh
Developing faster and more powerful computers
Provincial funding: $119,998
Computers are becoming smaller, faster and more powerful all the time, but silicon based improvements have limits. Eventually, as early as the year 2020, computer circuitry will shrink down to the size of atoms and molecules. Enter the quantum world where scientists like Dr. Jonathan Baugh at the University of Waterloo are exploiting new laws inside the atom – like the power of spin (a fundamental quantum property of electrons and nuclei) – to encode and manipulate quantum information. His work will lead to the realization of faster and more powerful computers that will be able to solve complex problems today’s computers can’t begin to tackle – and ensure the information is secure. Dr. Baugh’s work will help to advance Ontario’s reputation as a leader in this rapidly developing and exceptionally promising field.
Dr. Gregor Weihs
Developing the perfect security code
Provincial Funding: $157,424
Quantum key distribution, or quantum cryptography, uses quantum mechanics to guarantee secure communication. It enables two parties to produce a shared random “bit string” known only to them, which can be used as a key to encrypt and decrypt messages. It also enables the two communicating users to detect the presence of any third party trying to gain knowledge of the key. It’s an emerging technology with great commercialization potential in fields as diverse as the military and health care, but basic research is needed into protocols, implementations and analysis of practical systems. That’s the focus of research being done by Dr. Gregor Weihs at the new Quantum Cryptography Test Bed at the University of Waterloo. His findings will keep Ontario at the forefront of this technology—and stimulate spin-off communications companies.
Dr. Manoj Sachdev
Developing next-generation integrated circuits
Provincial funding: $145,000
An integrated circuit is a very advanced electric circuit – and our world is full of them. They’re in computers, cars, television sets, CD players and cellular phones, among other devices. Since their invention they’ve become increasingly smaller, more powerful and less expensive. At a new integrated circuit research laboratory at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Manoj Sachdev is developing the next-generation nanometric integrated circuits. Nanometric integrated circuits contain several hundred millions of components on an area no larger than a fingernail and Dr. Sachdev is focused on making them faster, cheaper and more reliable in the long term. His work will help keep Ontario’s high tech semiconductor companies like Tundra Semiconductors, Gennum Corporation and Mosaid Corporation at the leading-edge.
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