Firt Day at Jena

To foster the development of our young RTG and as part of our networking activities, ten PhD students, along with our two principal investigators, Dr. Jola Pospech and Dr. Olga Bokareva, and Mrs. Ivonne Vanhoefen, traveled to Jena for a four-day academic tour. In addition to engaging in networking activities with another young RTG, PhInt – Photopolarizable Interfaces and Membranes , we visited several labs at Leibniz IPHT, toured a few companies and start-ups, and, of course, enjoyed the Christmas Market in Jena, since it was December!
Our first full day began with a Joint Scientific Seminar (see schedule PDF) at Leibniz IPHT, where we had the opportunity to present our RTG SPECTRE, for the first time outside of Rostock. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that preparing and delivering this group presentation was one of the most enjoyable experiences we’ve had together, where we splitted in three groups to give a short overview on the general, preparative and spectroscopic part of our project. The seminar featured engaging scientific talks from both researchers and PhD students from Jena, providing a great opportunity for knowledge exchange.
We also had the privilege of visiting various research labs across the Leibniz IPHT and Fraunhofer IOF institutes, where we were able to experience firsthand some of the exciting ongoing research. One of the highlights was the visit to the optical fiber drawing facility at IPHT, where we were captivated by the process of drawing optical fibers. During lunch, we scattered across several tables to network with other PhD researchers, fostering valuable connections.
Our first day concluded with a delightful joint dinner at FritzMitte, where SPECTRE and PhInt PhD students and PIs had the chance to continue our discussions. We are truly grateful to Prof. Dietzek and his team for their exceptional hospitality and for organizing all the events so wonderfully.
Koushik Mondal

Second Day at Jena: Visit to Carl Zeiss AG and Optonet

On December 4, 2024, we had the opportunity to visit Carl Zeiss AG, a leading manufacturer of optical systems and optoelectronics. During our visit, we explored their innovative optical spectroscopy tools, which are crucial for promoting sustainability. Some of the products we examined included optimized CMOS and NMOS detector-based spectrometers, a grism spectrometer, and a battery-operated spectrometer specifically designed for agricultural applications. This tool utilizes NIR sensor technology to analyze crops and animal feeds, thereby enhancing agricultural efficiency. We also learned about their ongoing projects through a series of presentations. Later in the evening, we engaged with Optonet, which showcased advancements in IC chip design, fiber optic lasers, enhanced microcontroller systems, and communication network infrastructures, all with a strong emphasis on sustainability. We would like to express our immense gratitude to Natalja Bajkovski from optonet e.V. for organizing such an exciting and informative event. We are eager to absorb the knowledge gained and explore possibilities for collaboration with the companies mentioned. We believe they would be ideal partners for our objectives, and we are confident that we could also contribute to their endeavors. Furthermore, the location of our visit, Jena, struck us as one of the most welcoming cities. Its tranquility and the breathtaking beauty of the mountain roads are truly captivating, making it a feast for the eyes. We look forward to visiting Jena again.
Ramisah Rabiya

I really liked our visit at Zeiss, because it was very interesting to see what they are doing, for example the portable IR-Devices and their application in the agricultural industry. What impressed me the most was the Fibre-Tower in the Leibniz-IPHT, because it was stunning to see, how a solid glass tube turned into a flexible fibre.
Joshua Sorst

I truly enjoyed the excursion to Jena; it was a fantastic start to our RTG program, allowing all the students to connect and get to know each other better. What impressed me most was the visit to the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies. Exploring the chemistry laboratories and observing the process of creating glass fiber devices was fascinating, it was the highlight of the trip for me. The second day at Zeiss was equally inspiring, as we learned how physics and chemistry are applied in the industry, providing valuable insights into real world applications. 
Zahra Tayebi

The trip to Jena was a great experience, allowing us to bond as a group. We had the opportunity to meet with the RTG there, learn about their work, and explore several companies, which gave us valuable insights into the new opportunities that lie ahead.
Neeraja Kaimal

Though everyone in our cohort knows each other, it was the shared dinners during this trip that brought cohesion and forged our connection, hence I believe it was crucial part than the technical side itself. We bridged our diverse ideals, nourishing chemistry amongst us, which helps us to express and exchange our ideas and thoughts without reticence, or fear of ridicule, and this result will no doubt propel us in our collaborative development of the project's chemistry as well.
Shashank Ramana