27.10.2023
Day of Photonics Behind Us!
On October 21, 2023, the “Dzień Fotoniki” took place at the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw. This exceptional event brought together young enthusiasts of light and technology, offering them a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge about photonics and connect with important experts and industry leaders.
The event was organized by:
Koło Naukowe Optyki i Fotoniki UW was initiated by students and doctoral candidates of the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw in 2011. Its mission is to support young scientists interested in these fields and to promote knowledge of optics. As part of the circle’s activities, we organize lecture series, conferences, and scientific demonstrations. We are affiliated with international organizations such as OPTICA, SPIE, EPS, IEEE, which allows our members to participate in various summer schools and workshops, as well as to meet leading foreign scientists.
Fluence Sp. z o.o. is a leading manufacturer of femtosecond laser solutions known for its advanced fiber optic technology. Our company specializes in providing robust, stable, and industrial-grade femtosecond lasers, using innovative fiber optic oscillators to ensure reliable operation.
Polish Technology Platform for Photonics (PPTF) is an organization of Polish companies, research institutions, and universities operating in the field of photonics. PPTF’s mission is to enhance the innovation of the Polish photonics industry by coordinating the efforts of businesses, research organizations, government authorities, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations involved in the development of new deep-tech technologies and products, raising the qualifications of personnel, and expanding the use of photonics technologies in Poland. PPTF is a member of Photonics21, the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), and the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR). In 2023, in collaboration with CEZAMAT PW, PPTF established the Cluster for Microelectronics, Electronics, and Photonics and serves as the Cluster Coordinator. Along with the Candela Foundation, PPTF publishes a bilingual “Polish Optics and Photonics Newsletter” online every month and is also a co-organizer of several national research and industry conferences.
with the partnership of:
Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics has a history spanning over 50 years. Since April 2019, it has been a part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network. The institute conducts scientific research and development work in the fields of micro- and nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, materials engineering, photonics (including nanophotonics), microwave electronics, power electronics, transparent and flexible electronics. It implements and disseminates the results of these efforts in the economy while being open to collaboration with entrepreneurs.
The organization of the institute’s research activities is based on four technological lines: optoelectronic component line, silicon component line, wide-bandgap semiconductor component line, and a dedicated LTCC technology line. These modern technological lines enable the scientific community to participate in research and allow entrepreneurs to develop new solutions.
We’ve prepared a brief photo report from “Dzień Fotoniki”, an event that will stay in our memories for a long time.
Find the full photo gallery below.
The event consisted of two main parts: lectures and an industry zone.
The lectures during “Dzień Fotoniki” were popular science meetings with scientists that allowed participants to acquire knowledge about photonics applications and understand its significance in everyday life and industry. Here are the highlights:
- Michał Karpiński, PhD – “Sending Light at the Speed of Light”
Quantum Photonics Laboratory, University of Warsaw - Tomasz Kardaś, PhD – “How to Build an Ultrafast Laser?”
Fluence Technology - Kamil Pierściński, PhD – “From Infrared Radiation to Innovative Photonics: Bright Prospects for the Future”
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics - Zofia Dziekan, BS – “Robots and Light-Powered Microtools” Scientific Circle of Optics and Photonics, University of Warsaw
- Łukasz Zinkiewicz, PhD – “Nobel 2023, or How to Become the Fastest Physicist in the World”
Optics Department, University of Warsaw - Maciej Nowakowski – “Not Just Science – The Photonic Industry in Poland”
Polish Technology Platform for Photonics
For more information about the presenters and exhibitors, please refer to the previous post.
In addition to the lectures, we introduced an interactive quiz called the Lightning Photonics Quiz, specially created by Koło Naukowe Optyki I Fotoniki UW. The questions covered a wide range of photonics topics, including those discussed during the expert lectures. The main prize was a voucher for a group visit to the Łukasiewicz Laboratory.
The industry zone, on the other hand, was the perfect place to establish direct contact with photonics-related companies. Our exhibitors included:
We are a Polish deeptech company engaged in research and development of additive technologies. The result of our work is entirely new manufacturing technologies. We finance our projects by providing high-quality hardware and comprehensive production services.
Signify is a global leader in the lighting market for professionals, retail customers, and IoT lighting. Our energy-efficient lighting products, systems, and services enable customers to enjoy the highest quality of light, making life safer and more convenient, businesses more efficient, and cities more enjoyable to live in.
Fluence Sp. z o.o. is a leading manufacturer of femtosecond laser solutions known for its advanced fiber optic technology. Our company specializes in providing robust, stable, and industrial-grade femtosecond lasers, using innovative fiber optic oscillators to ensure reliable operation.
Polish Technology Platform for Photonics (PPTF) is an organization of Polish companies, research institutions, and universities operating in the field of photonics. PPTF’s mission is to enhance the innovation of the Polish photonics industry by coordinating the efforts of businesses, research organizations, government authorities, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations involved in the development of new deep-tech technologies and products, raising the qualifications of personnel, and expanding the use of photonics technologies in Poland.
Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics has a history spanning over 50 years. Since April 2019, it has been a part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network. The institute conducts scientific research and development work in the fields of micro- and nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, materials engineering, photonics (including nanophotonics), microwave electronics, power electronics, transparent and flexible electronics. It implements and disseminates the results of these efforts in the economy while being open to collaboration with entrepreneurs.
This gave young individuals an opportunity to converse with representatives from photonics companies and learn more about career prospects and ongoing projects. In the Łukasiewicz – IMiF booth, attendees could explore the world of light through various experiments.
The industry zone also featured an exhibition called “Light is Super,” created by KNOF UW, which explained light-related phenomena and showcased the extraordinary aspects of light. You can explore the exhibition (in Polish and English) on the KNOF website.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the sponsor of our event, the Technology Dialogue Foundation.
#DayOfPhotonics
Photonics Day is a scientific and educational event aimed at promoting the field of science and technology related to photonics. Photonics is a scientific discipline that deals with the study and applications of light and photons, with profound implications in areas such as optics, telecommunications, medicine, industry, and even astronomy.
Within Photonics Day, various activities including lectures, workshops, presentations, experiments, and demonstrations are organized to provide participants with knowledge about photonics applications and to highlight its significance in everyday life and various industries. This event also serves as a valuable platform for networking with experts in the field and companies involved in photonics technology.
Photonics Day is a significant event for scientists, engineers, students, and anyone interested in this fascinating field. It provides an opportunity to share knowledge, draw inspiration, and promote the development of light-based technologies. This year, it was organized in Warsaw as “Dzień Fotoniki 2023”.
Phot. Katarzyna Kowalska / Fluence technology