Late 1960s
Dr. Jacques A. Beaulieu invents the high-power transverse-excitation atmospheric pressure gas laser, known as CO2-TEA. This invention marks a decisive moment in the history of Quebec photonics.
1989
Creation of the Centre d'optique, photonique et laser (COPL), the second pillar of the industry, founded by UniversitĂ© Laval. Its objective is to support researchers in photonics and to train graduate students in physics. Today, the COPL brings together researchers from UniversitĂ© Laval, but also from Polytechnique MontrĂ©al, the UniversitĂ© de Sherbrooke, the Ăcole de technologie supĂ©rieure, the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, McGill University, the UniversitĂ© du QuĂ©bec Ă MontrĂ©al and Concordia University.
Creation of Optonique
Creation of Optonique, resulting from the great merger of the RĂ©seau photonique du QuĂ©bec (RPQ) and Cercle de lâindustrie en optique-photonique (CIOP).
Creation of Réseau photonique du Québec (RPQ)
Creation of Réseau photonique du Québec (RPQ) resulting from the merger of two regional groups: Groupe Optique-Photonique Québec (GOPQ) and Réseau photonique de Montréal (RPM).