Security and disruptive technologies

We offer leading‑edge, emerging technology research and technology development through both fee‑for‑service technical work and cost‑shared collaborative research agreements. Intellectual property terms are discussed on a case‑by‑case basis, appropriate to the risk and investment of each partner. We also operate pre-competitive networks and consortia to unite partners around specific technology initiatives.

Nanomaterials for the security and defence industry – NRC is a one‑stop‑shop for nano‑materials solutions, including testing and performance evaluation. We work collaboratively to develop and deliver cost‑effective, highly efficient, next‑generation, nano‑materials and armour systems. We can work with you to bridge the gap between technology and application, to integrate new high‑performance nano‑materials technologies into security and defence systems.

National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) – working in collaboration with other NRC business units and the University of Alberta, we accelerate the commercialization and responsible deployment of nanotechnologies in Canadian industries by transforming nanotechnology breakthroughs into scalable materials and processes, and prototypes that can be manufactured industrially. Applications include energy generation and storage, metabolomics sensor systems, hybrid nano-scale electronics and nano-enabled biomaterials.

Quantum photonics security and sensing – we collaborate with industry, government and universities to develop the quantum photonics technology platform, while developing and delivering medium-term applications in quantum cyber-security and photonic sensing. These applications will impact the energy, environment, defence security and ICT industries.

• Nano-materials design (made‑to‑measure properties), formulation, fabrication and testing, plus full chemical and physical analyses and characterization.
• Pilot processes for nano‑composites with a wide range of matrix materials.
• Nano‑device design, incorporating made‑to‑measure nano‑materials into electronic and optical devices.
• Electron microscopy services.
• Advanced microscopy, including, ultra‑short pulse CARS microscopy
• Ultra‑fast laser system design, including femto‑second and attosecond sources and measurement systems.
• Fibre‑based measurement, including fibre Bragg gratings in extreme environments.

Nanotube production facility - this facility in Ottawa offers fabrication and prototyping for real-world applications for advanced materials.

Electron microscope (EM) laboratory – this facility at NINT in Edmonton, houses some of the world’s newest and most powerful electron microscopes, including transmission electron microscopes, scanning electron microscopes, and focused ion dual beam instruments.

Advanced, non‑linear optical imaging and microscopy (CARSLab) – this facility in Ottawa offers non‑linear optical imaging, including femtosecond laser optics.

JASLab – the Joint Attosecond Science Laboratory (a collaboration with the University of Ottawa) houses a unique and world‑class laser system that produces extremely short laser pulses.

Nanophotonics and nanoelectronics laboratories – these facilities provide single photon sources and single electron sources that can be applied at low temperatures for in‑depth analysis of materials and nanostructures.

Nanotechnology biology and biochemistry laboratory – this laboratory, based in Edmonton, is equipped to handle biocontainment level 2 samples.

Nanotechnology chemical analysis and characterization laboratory