Ultrafast Optics

Abstract

In the first part of the lecture, I provide the theoretical background for understanding how mode-locking works. Starting with active mode-locking, I will use the Haus master equation approach to describe modern passive mode-locking techniques. In the second part of the lecture, I discuss applications of this theory for mode-locking solid-state and fiber lasers.

Speaker

Günter Steinmeyer (Max Born Institute, Berlin, Germany)

Speaker Bio

1995: PhD at University of Hannover, Germany

2002: Habilitation at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

since 2002: Dept. Head Position at Max-Born-Institut

2008-2013: Finland Distinguished Professor at Tampere University of Technology, Finland

since 2017: Professor at Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany

since 2012: various editorial positions at OSA/Optica and APS journals, currently Deputy Editor at Optics Express

Abstract

This lecture explores the emergence of frequency combs from ultrafast lasers, highlighting the crucial connection between dispersion and the carrier–envelope offset frequency. We will then discuss optical mirrors and their design as a means of controlling intracavity dispersion and, in turn, the stability of mode-locked lasers.

Speaker

Oliver H. Heckl (University of Vienna)

Speaker Bio

Oliver H. Heckl is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Vienna, where he leads the Optical Metrology Group. His research focuses on ultrafast and mid-infrared laser technology, optical frequency combs, and precision spectroscopy, with applications ranging from fundamental constant tests to advanced metrology.

Abstract

TBA

Speaker

Eric Cormier

Speaker Bio

TBA

Abstract

Multiphoton microscopy enables high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging of biological tissues with minimal photodamage — a capability made possible by femtosecond laser sources. In this lecture, the fundamental principles of multiphoton excitation and fluorescence will be introduced, followed by a discussion of the specific laser parameters necessary for effective imaging — including pulse duration, repetition rate, wavelength, and beam quality. Traditional solid-state laser systems, particularly Ti:sapphire lasers, will be presented as benchmark sources, alongside an overview of emerging fiber-based femtosecond lasers that offer enhanced stability, compactness, and cost efficiency. Selected applications in ophthalmology and dermatology will illustrate how advances in ultrafast laser technology continue to enhance the performance and accessibility of multiphoton microscopy.

Speaker

Jakub Bogusławski (Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland)

Speaker Bio

Jakub Bogusławski received his Ph.D. in 2018 from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, where he is currently an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems and Principal Investigator of the Ultrafast Biophotonics Laboratory. His research focuses on ultrafast fiber lasers and their applications in biophotonics, particularly in advanced optical imaging.
Following his doctoral studies, he held a postdoctoral position at the International Centre for Translational Eye Research in Warsaw, Poland, which involved frequent research visits to the School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine (USA). During this time, he collaborated with high-tech companies in the field of medical diagnostics, contributing to the translation of photonic technologies into biomedical applications.
His current work aims to advance ultrafast photonic technologies for biology and medicine, transforming cutting-edge optical methods into practical, accessible tools that accelerate discovery and improve human health.

Abstract

Femtosecond laser pulses have become an indispensable tool in optical spectroscopy—not only for
investigating ultrafast relaxation dynamics in the time domain, but also for carrying out highly precise
frequency-resolved measurements when emitted as a phase-coherent pulse train. Their high peak
intensity makes them ideally suited for nonlinear frequency conversion, enabling spectral extension from
the deep ultraviolet to the mid-infrared and even the far-infrared. This lecture introduces the
fundamentals of ultrafast second-order nonlinear optics and is designed to equip students with the
knowledge required to independently perform numerical simulations of relevant processes. Key practical
concepts—including phase-matching bandwidth, parametric gain, spatial and temporal walk-off—will be
explored from both theoretical and experimental perspectives.

Speaker 

Marco Marangoni (Politecnico di Milano, Physics Department)

Speaker Bio

Marco Marangoni is Full Professor of Experimental Physics at Politecnico di Milano.
Since 2017 he has been leading the Lecco branch of the CNR Institute of Photonics
and Nanotechnologies. He has a robust experience in the field of lasers, spectroscopy
and optical sensors. His current research activity is focused on the development of
nonlinear laser sources, spectrometers and microscopes for precise and sensitive
detection, identification and quantitative analysis of different chemical species, both for
fundamental physics and for applications such as breath analysis, combustion
processes, tumour analysis in human biopsies. He has a track-record of more than 10 national and

international projects as a Unit leader or as a Coordinator. He is currently coordinating a Pathfinder EIC-
2022 European project on ultrafast photo-thermal microscopy (TROPHY). He has published more than

110 papers on international ISI journals with more than 5900 citations (Scholar source) and an H-index of
39. He is the inventor of four patents in the field of photonics and has co-founded a start-up company in
the field of lasers in 2020. He was director of the Winter School 2016 on optical frequency combs
organized by the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) of Trieste, he was general chair of
the Cavity-Enhanced Spectroscopy conference 2022 that was held in Lecco, he has been member and
leader of scientific sub-committees in several international conferences such as CLEO (Conference on
Lasers and Electro-Optics), Cleo Europe and Europhoton in the sectors of lasers and optics. He was
supervisor of several PhD students in Physics, as well as external member of various commissions for
the assignment of a PhD in Physics at foreign universities.

Abstract

TBA

Speaker

Nick Karpowicz (X)

Speaker Bio

TBA

Abstract

Fiber-based sources of wavelength-tunable femtosecond pulses with peak power above 1 MW would be attractive for a variety of applications, but are not possible with solid glass fibers. Hollow-core fibers filled with gas allow significant flexibility and control of the effects that are most-important for pulse propagation and generation: dispersion, electronic nonlinearity, and Raman nonlinearity. This property makes gas-filled hollow-core fiber an excellent setting for teaching the main aspects of pulse propagation, in addition to a potential route to high-power tunable ultrashort pulses.  The talk will begin with a tutorial introduction to the fundamental processes that govern ultrashort pulse propagation. Then the design of a source of high-power pulses tunable in the near-infrared (1100-1700 nm) will be illustrated with a “case study” aimed at pulses for the application of deep-brain imaging with cellular resolution.

Speaker

Frank William Wise (School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University)

Speaker Bio

Frank Wise received a BS in Engineering Physics from Princeton University, an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, and a PhD in Applied Physics from Cornell University. Before PhD studies, he worked on advanced integrated circuits at Bell Laboratories. Since receiving the PhD in 1988, he has been on the faculty in Applied Physics at Cornell.

Abstract

Femtosecond lasers are key to modern precision manufacturing in the display, semiconductor, and medical industries. This lecture will cover the basics of ultrafast laser-matter interaction and resulting processes like drilling, cutting, and surface/in-volume modification. Participants will learn about material excitation and ablation, focusing on the critical role of laser pulse duration, wavelength, and spatiotemporal shaping on the processing outcome. Selected innovative laser process examples will be demonstrated.

Speaker

Bogusz Stępak (Fluence Technology)

Speaker Bio

Bogusz Stepak is the R&D Director of Laser Microprocessing at Fluence Technology, where he manages research and development initiatives. In 2021, he founded the Ultrafast Laser Application Laboratory at Fluence, which focuses on advancing laser microprocessing technologies. Before joining Fluence, Bogusz worked as a researcher at Fraunhofer IWS in Dresden while pursuing his PhD. He earned his doctorate in 2017 from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, specializing in laser materials processing.

To sign up for free, please register using the following form: https://eu01web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qJWOcO4QRQic7eiqKkYLnw

Yes. The prerequisite is to attend at least 6 out of the 8 lectures and complete the form linked below by December 29th, 2025. Certificates will be sent out in the second half of January 2026, once the attendance condition has been verified.

Link to the certificate request form: https://forms.gle/d3uRHQeENMhcXKH78

Yes! 🙂

Please contact your local deanery/secretariat in this regard. The Candela Foundation does not have the authority to award ECTS credits, however, we have received information that some organisations awarded ECTS credits when presented with the certificate confirming participation in this series.

The lectures will take place on-line via Zoom Webinar platform on Wednesdays, for 8 weeks in a row, at 14:15 (GMT+1). The first lecture is scheduled on October 29th, 2025, and the last on December 17th, 2025.

The recordings will be made available on our YouTube channel a few months after the end of a given series.

You can access the recordings from the last edition on Bose-Einstein Condensates at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGEdFD0FcbD0TvjQuE-RZaBoaoqXp0euM&si=sNYd2uzRpAWuRjpl