The aim of the Rezonatory project is to create a unique internship programme for talented Polish male and female students of optics and photonics. The interns, selected in an open competition, will receive scholarships to cover the cost of relocating for the duration of their internship. In parallel, the participating students will be provided with a programme of specialised training to improve their soft skills.
In this year’s edition, Scholarship recipients can choose internship project proposals proposed by Tutors from the University of Warsaw, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and the Polish Technology Platform for Photonics. By the decision of the Candela Foundation Board, up to 6 scholarships will be awarded in the 2025 edition of the Resonators Programme.
Male and female students of optics and photonics. A prerequisite for taking part in the programme is an internship in a city other than the one in which the person is currently studying. In the 2025 edition, internships are organised in Warsaw, Toruń and Wrocław.
Supervisors: dr Michał Karpiński i mgr Jerzy Szuniewicz
Hosting Organization: University of Warsaw
City: Warsaw
Proposed topics of the internship: Fiber Bragg gratings, optical fibers, modeling and/or fabrication and charcterisation of fiber Bragg gratings, measuring spectra of single photons.
More information:
photon.fuw.edu.pl
Supervisors:dr hab inż. Grzegorz Soboń i mgr inż. Mikołaj Krakowski
Hosting Organization: Wrocław University of Science and Technology
City: Wrocław
Proposed topics of the internship: Topic of our research focuses on ultrafast laser systems (emitting femtosecond pulses) based on optical fibers. This includes: methods of generation of ultrashort pulses, nonlinear optical effects in fibers, applications of femtosecond lasers.
The student will be involved in a project related to the connection of machine learning and AI-based algorithms in optimization of ultrafast lasers. The aim is to implement and test various AI-based algorithms in different optimization tasks of ultrafast lasers. The tasks include setting-up an experiment, implementing an AI algorithm (based on, e.g., Python), and performing measurements.
More information:
Supervisors: dr inż. Wojciech Krauze i mgr inż. Martyna Mazur
Hosting organization: Warsaw University of Technology
City: Warsaw
Proposed topics of the internship: Projects will focus on using one of two techniques. The first is OCT (optical coherence tomography). OCT is a method used primarily in ophthalmology offices for the early diagnosis of eye diseases. In our group, we use OCT in microscopy mode – it is used to evaluate the inner structure of biological samples (cells, tissues, organoids, etc.) and technical samples (multilayer structures). The second technique is HT (holographic tomography), which allows measuring a biological cell and returns its 3D image with refractive index values.
Both methods are label-free – they don’t require any fluorescence labelling, this allowing advanced biological research.
More information:
Supervisors:dr inż. Dorota Stachowiak i mgr inż. Szymon Matczak
Hosting organization:
Wrocław University of Science and Technology
City: Wrocław
Proposed topics of the internship: The internship concerns advanced fiber technologies. The intern will have the chance to work on the fabrication of special components that are essential for the construction of modern photonic systems. Using high-tech equipment, the intern will learn to precisely process delicate optical fibers, creating unique components from them.
The main task will be to master the art of working with advanced fiber-optic processing equipment. The intern will learn how to splice, taper, and shape these fibers, creating custom components to fit specific applications. As a result, the intern will gain practical skills that are highly valued in the job market. Each fabricated component will be thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the highest quality standards. During the internship, the intern will gain knowledge of modern fiber laser technologies and modern methods of manufacturing fiber optic components. Will learn the principles of advanced devices and how to use them in practice.
More information:
www.comb.pwr.edu.pl
Supervisors: dr inż. Marta Mikuła-Zdańkowska i dr inż. Sławomir Tomczewski
Internship Hosting Organization: International Centre for Translational Eye Research
City: Warsaw
Proposed topics of the internship: Early detection of eye diseases, as well as the ability to precisely monitor the course of therapy, is a crucial element in preventing premature vision loss. At ICTER, we are working on the development of Spatio-Temporal Optical Coherence Tomography (STOC-T). This is an advanced imaging method that uses near-infrared light to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the interior of the eye, particularly the retina. By leveraging interference, this technique enables the acquisition of exceptionally high-resolution images, allowing for the precise mapping of fine eye structures.
One of the key advantages of STOC-T is its very rapid data acquisition—three-dimensional retinal images can be obtained in just a few milliseconds. This speed also makes it possible to study the response of retinal photoreceptors to light with remarkable precision, which is the foundation of optoretinography (ORG). ORG provides the ability to observe early deficiencies in photoreceptor function and detect pathological changes even before they become visible in structural images.
The proposed internship project will focus on developing and implementing these methods. The student will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with modern retinal imaging techniques and analyze data acquired using STOC-T and ORG. The internship will also include learning how to process and interpret data in the context of retinal biology, as well as advanced image analysis techniques. This internship is an excellent opportunity to explore interdisciplinary methods at the intersection of optics, biology, and data analysis.
More information:
Supervisors:dr inż. Maciej Kowalczyk & dr hab. inż. Jarosław Sotor
Hosting organization: Wrocław University of Science and Technology
City: Wrocław
Proposed topics of internship: In our research group we play with electromagnetic fields of ultrashort laser pulses. We build lasers producing light pulses as short as 10 fs (10 fs = 10∙10^-15 s) and we develop electronic circuits to actively stabilize their performance. We use this unique lasers for experiments in nonlinear optics, enabling the modification of light properties and the extension of accessible spectral ranges into the mid-infrared region (wavelengths between 2 µm and 20 µm), which are otherwise challenging to achieve. For more details see: [1] M. Kowalczyk et al., “Ultra-CEP-stable single-cycle pulses at 2.2 µm,” Optica 10, 801-811 (2023)
More information
Maciej Kowalczyk – Twitter/X
Supervisors: dr inż. Piotr Kasprzycki i prof. dr hab. Maciej Wojtkowski
Internship Hosting Organization: International Centre for Translational Eye Research
City: Warsaw
Proposed topics of the internship: We invite you to join a unique research project aimed at bringing groundbreaking advancements to the diagnosis of eye diseases. The project combines the latest achievements in biophotonics and optics with advanced methods of eye fundus imaging. The primary research goal is to further develop an innovative retinal imaging technology utilizing two-photon excited fluorescence (2PEF), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), and time-correlated single-photon counting (TC-SPC). The newly developed methodology will enable the monitoring of retinal metabolic processes, particularly the presence of retinoids. These compounds play a crucial role in the visual cycle and are key indicators of retinal health and functionality. The analysis of the acquired images is supported by simple yet effective fluorescence signal analysis techniques, such as the spectral phasor approach. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to conduct experimental research, learn to operate and construct advanced imaging systems, perform measurements, and analyze data. Your involvement could contribute directly to achieving groundbreaking results in this field.
More information:
Supervisors: dr hab. Ireneusz Grulkowski i dr Daniel Rumiński
Hosting organization: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
City: Toruń
Proposed topics of internship: Nano-scale deformation of ocular tissues, eye imaging, OCT, ocular biomechanics, blood pulsation, elastography.
More information:
Launch of applications
Closing of applications
Evaluation of applications completed. Announcement of decisions to Applicants.
Finalisation of the signing of scholarship agreements.
Recommended to start the internship at the Internship Organising Unit under the mentorship of the Internship Supervisors.
Workshop for Scholars.
The scholarships awarded under the Rezonator programme, have been granted an exemption from personal income tax. Therefore, the net amount of the scholarship is equal to the gross amount. In the 2025 edition, it amounts to PLN 9400.
As a rule, the application should be completed in English. However, it is acceptable for the following to be sent in Polish:
The majors related to optics and photonics are in particular:
However, this list is not closed. In case of doubts about the qualification of the course as a course related to optics and photonics, binding information can be obtained from the Coordinator available at the email address rezonatory@candela.org.pl.
Yes, this is possible. If this is the case, please add a note of the planned delivery date in the ‘Comments to organisers’ section.
A prerequisite is that the complete set of documents must be submitted by 31 March 2025.
In this year’s edition, Applications can be submitted until 17 March 2025 at 23:59 (Warsaw time).