It was back in
1983 that the first discussions pertaining to the establishment of a Canadian optics
institute actually took place. In a recommendation to the National Research Council of
Canada (NRC), the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) supported the creation of a
research center in optics. Based on NRC policy advocating the establishment of research
centers in various locations in Canada, CAP reasoned that the Quebec City area had all the
assets to accommodate such an organization given that Laval University was already turning
out about half of Canadian researchers in optics, photonics, electro-optics and lasers.
In the meantime, a group of Quebec City decision-makers founded an association to spur the
region’s industrial and technological development. They added their voice in favor of
the creation of an optics institute.
On December 13, 1985, the National Optics Institute was formally established as a private
non-profit corporation by virtue of the Canada Corporations Act (Part II).
Operations begun in temporary headquarters at Laval University later the next year. Then,
in late 1987, INO’s staff of 20 employees moved to brand new facilities located in
the Quebec Metro High Tech Park.
INO's Mission:
INO’s mission is to be an international leader in optics and photonics
R&D, and to promote economic expansion in the country by providing assistance to
companies seeking to be more competitive.
INO Operations:
INO currently employs over 150 people, including some 60 researchers
and engineers specialized in the various branches of photonics. Approximately 60
technologists and a half-dozen technical assistants round out the scientific personnel.
Scientists are assisted by various support teams such as a computer support unit, a
machine shop and a complete electronics workshop. They have access to equipment at the
leading edge of technology. INO laboratories include preform fabrication facilities, two
fibre-optic drawing towers and state-of-the-art clean rooms.
These sophisticated facilities are housed in a 8,300 square meter building of which 5,300
are occupied by laboratories of exceptional dynamic stability. Construction work aimed at
doubling the size of laboratory facilities will be undertaken in coming months.
Development work at INO focuses on four sectors: digital and optical systems, photonic
materials and processes, photonics and guided-wave optics, and laser system technologies.
INO has recently embarked on a quality assurance program and has set autumn 1999 as its
target for ISO 9001-1994 certification.
Success:
INO's success to date is mainly a result of the high quality of its human
resources. The company recognizes that maintaining and broadening the expertise of its
personnel is essential, and intends to continue to make this a management priority.
Special attention is paid to strengthening each employee’s team spirit and sense of
belonging.
INO's success also comes from its ability to anticipate market requirements and adapt to
them. Our technologies and fields of expertise are continuously monitored in light of
industry needs, market potential, international competitiveness, and chances for success.
R&D strategies and specific objectives for each of our technologies are then developed
to ensure that our products and services are well suited to the future needs of industry.
There is no doubt that photonics will play a key role as a leading-edge technology with a
potentially significant impact on the country's economic development. INO is poised to
play a vital role in support of Canadian industry
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