Upcoming laser facility at University of Waterloo could unravel molecular mysteries

Scott Hopkins, project lead and director of the Infrared Free Electron Laser (IR-FEL) at the University of Waterloo, spoke during a special ceremony in Waterloo, Ont. on Oct. 9, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)

Researchers at the University of Waterloo may soon get a better understanding of the world around us thanks to a state-of-the-art laser facility.

On Thursday, the university broke ground on an Infrared Free Electron Laser (IR-FEL) facility which will be known as WaterFEL. According to the school, it will be the first of its kind in North America, offering researchers the chance to study microscopic truths of the universe.

“The IR-FEL will offer an unprecedented level of detail in analyzing molecular and material structures,” Scott Hopkins, the project lead and director of WaterFEL explained. “The potential impact of the IR-FEL is enormous. It opens new possibilities for developing innovative treatments and improving personalized medicine.”

When it opens, WaterFEL will be next to the future site of Waterloo Region’s new hospital, which is slated to open in 2035. The university said that will open the door for collaboration between researchers and health care professionals.

Earlier this year, Hopkins was given $250,00 from the Cancer Digital Intelligence’s Grand Challenge to use artificial intelligence and infrared laser technology to improve treatment options for people with brain and spinal cancers. Additionally, the overall project received over $20 million dollars in funding from organizations across Canada including $10 million from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), $6.4 million from the Ontario Research Fund (ORF), $3.6 million from the British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund and $7.5 million from the University of Waterloo.

Hopkins’ team is also trying to identify contaminants known as ‘forever chemicals.’ Currently, some of the molecules that make up those substances remain unidentified. But that could change when the IR-FEL is operational.

“Our research aims to push the boundaries of detection and analysis,” Hopkins said. “With FEL’s advanced technologies, we will be able to identify and understand these puzzling molecules.”

The facility was inspired by Nobel laureate and Waterloo professor Donna Strickland, an optical physicist who helped pioneer the field of pulsed lasers.

The university hopes to open the facility by 2028.