Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Thalmic Labs Inc. produces wearable technologies in the field of human computer interface (HCI) that blendsx000D
the 'real' and 'digital' worlds with products aimed at markets in the health, security, and entertainment sectors.x000D
For example, electromyographic products such as 'Myo Armband' are used in prosthetic arm control throughx000D
sensing of muscle activity, touch-free control over real-time information in surgery, and illumination/lightx000D
control of muscular movement in stage performances. Future HCI technologies are embracing optical signalx000D
processing, but where current prototypes are too bulky and costly as a wearable device due to today's currentx000D
lumped-element optical technology. This Engage project addresses a key requirement for enabling 'optical' HCIx000D
technology on a platform of three-dimensional (3D) integrated optical circuits. The approach aims for a simple,x000D
miniaturized, low loss, and scalable method for controlling optical signals at multiple wavelengths. Thex000D
University of Toronto team will apply ultrafast lasers to exploit their expertise in writing 'three-dimensional'x000D
optical circuits inside of thin glass wafers. There are substantial benefits to Canada if this project is successful:x000D
(1) academic leadership in 3D optical processing circuits; (2) generation of intellectual property; (3) newx000D
manufacturing processes and product concepts; (4) training of R&D personnel with unique skills and knowhowx000D
for translation from a university to a Canadian industrial environment; and (5) long-term job creation forx000D
manufacturing, sales and R&D personnel.