Nicolas Godbout

Nicolas Godbout is a Full Professor and Department Director of the Department of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal. He holds a Ph.D. from Polytechnique Montréal and serves as Head of the Fiber Optics Laboratory and as a Researcher at the Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers (COPL). His academic leadership extends to teaching courses including Fundamentals of Photonics, Waveguide Optics, Lasers, Quantum Optics, and Current Subjects in Photonics.

Dr. Godbout's research spans multiple areas of photonics with particular emphasis on optical fiber components, quantum cryptography, quantum information, optical telecommunications, and nonlinear optics. His work bridges fundamental theoretical investigations with practical applications in telecommunications, biomedical imaging, and quantum technologies. He has made significant contributions to photonic lantern development, quantum key distribution systems, and optical fiber component design.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining photonics with biomedical applications, quantum information processing, and advanced computational modeling. His work demonstrates consistent innovation in optical fiber technology, with increasing focus on quantum applications and biomedical instrumentation over the past decade. The development of open-source tools like SuPyMode and PyMieSim highlights his commitment to advancing research methodology in the field.

• $377,000 awarded for Quantum Photonics Quebec projects (2022)
• Appointment as director of INTRIQ (2019)

Dr. Godbout has supervised an extensive number of graduate students, with 9 completed Ph.D. theses and 21 Master's theses under his guidance, plus one currently in progress. His research has been supported by significant funding, including semiconductor research initiatives that received $120 million from the Canadian government as recently as July 2024. He actively collaborates with industry through Castor Optics, a company he co-founded with Professor Caroline Boudoux that specializes in optical fiber components.

As Head of the Fiber Optics Laboratory and researcher at COPL, Dr. Godbout leads a dynamic research team focused on advancing photonics technology. His laboratory work spans from fundamental quantum optics research to practical applications in telecommunications and biomedical imaging. Recent activities include significant contributions to semiconductor research initiatives at Polytechnique Montréal, reflecting his leadership in positioning the institution at the forefront of advanced technology development.