Pierre Berini

Pierre Berini is Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Engineering, and Professor of Physics in the Faculty of Science. He serves as Director of the Centre for Research in Photonics (CRPuO) and Director of NanoFab at the University of Ottawa. As a Distinguished University Professor (2018) and University Research Chair in Surface Plasmon Photonics, he leads significant research initiatives in optics and photonics.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal (1995)
• M.Sc.A. in Electrical Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal (1992)
• B.E.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from University of Western Ontario (1990)
• B.Sc. in Computer Science from University of Western Ontario (1990)

Professor Berini's research program focuses primarily on plasmonics, with particular emphasis on surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves and their applications. His work spans waveguides and passive elements, micro/nanofabrication, integrated circuits, telecom devices, nanoantennas, amplification, biosensors, electromagnetic theory, numerical modeling, semiconductor devices, and microwave circuits. He has pioneered developments in long-range surface plasmon polariton structures for biosensing applications, notably creating a plasmonic biosensor for dengue virus detection. His research bridges theoretical modeling with experimental implementation, often involving cleanroom fabrication of plasmonic devices.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials, parity-time symmetry in plasmonic structures, advanced biosensing techniques, and integration of plasmonics with silicon photonics. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in nanofabrication techniques and theoretical modeling, with applications spanning biomedical diagnostics, optical communications, and quantum optics.

His scientific recognition includes:

• NSERC Steacie Fellowship and Discovery Accelerator
• Premier of Ontario Research Excellence Award (PREA)
• University of Ottawa Young Researcher of the Year Award
• URSI Young Scientist Award
• George S. Glinski Award for Excellence in Research
• Fellowships in IEEE, OSA, Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Royal Society of Canada
• Distinguished University Professor title (2018)

Professor Berini has supervised over 40 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with many completing their theses on plasmonic waveguide devices, biosensors, and related topics. His research is generously supported by major funding agencies including NSERC, CFI, PREA, ORDCF, and OCE, as well as industry partners like Spectalis Corporation which he co-founded as Chief Technology Officer.

The Berini Group operates within the Centre for Research in Photonics at the University of Ottawa's Advanced Research Complex (ARC 337), featuring state-of-the-art equipment including tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, near-field scanning optical microscopes, PMD/PDL instrumentation, and thin-film characterization tools. The lab collaborates extensively with the National Research Council, Communications Research Centre Canada, Canadian Photonics Fabrication Center, and international institutions.