The Physics Department
James M. Fraser, Principal Investigator, is a Professor of Physics and leads an experimental research team exploring coherent imaging, ultrafast processes in nanosystems and laser processing. Recent research have focused on understanding the optoelectronic properties of carbon nanotubes and 2D materials, and monitoring and intelligent control of high-power laser manufacturing (including welding and additive manufacturing). Dr. Fraser’s research has had considerable impact in industry: he has six issued patents and he co-founded Laser Depth Dynamics, a university spin- off recently purchased by IPG Photonics Inc. and currently undergoing rapid growth in Kingston. Student teaching and supervision is an area of a considerable importance to Prof. Fraser: he has won numerous teaching awards including the nation-wide CAP Teaching Medal and a 3M National Fellowship; graduate students from his team have been honoured with university, provincial and national awards, including the OCE Martin Walmsley Fellowship Award for Entrepreneurship (value $100k) and the 2015 national 3MThesis People’s Choice Award. Prof. Fraser is also the project leader of the NSERC-funded CREATE graduate training program in Materials for Advanced Photonics and Sensing (CREATE-MAPS). This program provides novel opportunities for select graduate students in Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering to tailor their experience to their professional goals (incl. internships, workshops, collaborations, and leadership opportunities).
Exciting research opportunities have been opened up due to the new CFI-funded Nanophotonics Research Centre. Prof. Fraser’s particular interests in this team research effort include new ultrafast excitation sources and sensitive characterization equipment, tailored for control of 0D (quantum dots) and 2D materials with unique optical and quantum properties (explored on the micro and nanoscale). Graduate students in Prof. Fraser’s team can pursue Physics or Engineering Physics degrees depending on interests. See Ultrafast Laser Lab's Opportunities.