Camila Castillo Pinto successfully defends PhD research on frequency comb generation in VECSELs

Camila Castillo Pinto has successfully defended her PhD thesis on 'Frequency comb generation in VECSELs: Investigation of polarization dynamics, chaos and 2D saturable absorbers' in a public session on May 6, 2024.

Under the supervision of Prof. Heidi Ottevaere and Prof. Krassimir Panajotov, Camila's thesis uncovers diverse unexplored and challenging research opportunities in the field of mode-locked VECSELs. From its fundamental aspects, including understanding the polarization dynamics and exploring the route to chaos to investigate new 2D materials for optimising the generation of pulses of light. Addressing these issues is important to achieve the full potential of VECSEL-based frequency comb sources.

"Defending my PhD thesis was a challenge I embraced with determination and gratitude", Camila reflects. "And this achievement is not just mine, but the result of the support and encouragement of my colleagues, friends, and family. Now I am ready to continue pushing the boundaries in this exciting field!"