He's back from an amazing three-week trip to the US, and told us about this. Mattia Longobucco in the world of photonics wonders.

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Mattia, you were a postdoc researcher at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, under the supervision of Prof. Wonkeun Chang. What did you do as part of his team?

As a postdoc researcher at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), I was actively involved in investigating the potential of gas-filled hollow-core fibers for developing a new and compact fiber laser source. Our research aimed to harness the unique properties of these fibers to create high-performance lasers with improved efficiency and compactness.

Working closely with Prof. Chang was an incredible journey of collaboration and discovery. Prof. Chang brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to me and our team, particularly in computational modeling and theoretical analysis of optical phenomena within these specialized fibers. Throughout our collaboration, we have been able to combine his expertise in simulations with my experimental work, creating a synergistic approach to solve complex challenges in the field. By integrating computational modeling with practical experimentation, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles governing pulse dynamics and to explore innovative strategies for optimizing the performance of gas-filled hollow core fibers.

During my tenure at NTU, I had the privilege of working within a well-equipped research environment. NTU provided state-of-the-art facilities for the fabrication of fibers, including specialized equipment for drawing and processing hollow core fibers. Additionally, we had access to dedicated gas chambers for filling the fibers with various gases, essential for tailoring their optical properties to specific applications. Moreover, our lab was equipped with a range of laser sources, enabling us to characterize the performance of the gas-filled hollow-core fibers under different operating conditions. This comprehensive infrastructure allowed us to conduct thorough experimental investigations, from fiber fabrication to laser characterization, all within the confines of our research facility at NTU. With these resources at our disposal, our research deeply explored innovative approaches for laser development using gas-filled hollow-core fibers. Our goal? To advance photonics and pave the way for compact, efficient laser sources that could make a real impact in diverse industrial sectors, including material processing and medical device technologies.

Overall, my time at NTU was nothing short of transformative. Under the guidance of Prof. Chang and alongside a talented team of researchers, I had the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in laser technology. It was an experience I'll always cherish!

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Singapore's universities are among the top in the world. In the QS World University Rankings, Nanyang Technological University was ranked 12th. How did your stay in Singapore, at such a renowned university translate into your academic work?

Staying in Singapore and being part of NTU, consistently ranked among the top universities globally, has been an enriching experience that profoundly influenced my academic work and was incredibly inspiring for my academic work.

NTU's vibrant and diverse community provided me with endless opportunities to collaborate with brilliant minds from all walks of life. Whether it was bouncing ideas off fellow researchers or learning from esteemed faculty members, every interaction sparked new ideas and fueled my passion for research. But my time at NTU was about so much more than just research. I was actively involved in the NTU Research Staff Association, where I had the chance to connect with colleagues from various disciplines and contribute to the vibrant research community. But that's not all... I also had the

opportunity to participate in the NTU Entrepreneurship & Startup Training (NEST) Programme, which was an incredible experience. It opened my eyes to the world of startups and entrepreneurship, equipping me with valuable skills and insights for turning innovative ideas into reality.

Singapore is also known for its cultural diversity. Did you enjoy your time there?

Let's talk about the cultural aspect! Singapore is like a treasure trove of diverse cultures, and it was an absolute joy to explore. I had the wonderful opportunity to engage with the vibrant Indian and Chinese communities, immersing myself in their rich traditions and customs. From celebrating Chinese New Year to participating in the colorful festivities of Deepavali, each experience was incredibly engaging and gloving. Plus, even though I speak a bit of Chinese, Singapore has its own unique linguistic blend, often referred to as Singlish. I'll admit, mastering the "real Chinese language" there was a bit of a challenge for me, but it's "okay lah", it's all part of the fun! And you know what?

I've even picked up a few local phrases – instead of saying "yes" to questions in English, I find myself saying "can" like the locals do. It's these little things that make you feel like a part of the community!

Overall, my time at NTU in Singapore was a truly impactful experience that shaped my academic journey in ways I never imagined. It's a chapter of my life that I'll always look back on with fond memories and gratitude. Moreover, it was also about embracing diversity, fostering innovation, and building meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.

But let's get back to the scientific side :) I have heard that your main research interests include nonlinear fiber optics, ultrafast solitonic propagation in optical fibers, and optical communication systems. Can you give us an idea of what nonlinear fiber optics is?

Certainly! Nonlinear fiber optics is a fascinating field that deals with how light behaves in special types of optical fibers. When we say "nonlinear," we mean that the way light travels through these fibers doesn't follow a simple, straight path like it might in a straight tube. Instead, it can interact with the material of the fiber in complex ways.

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Imagine you're driving on a road, and suddenly you hit a patch of ice. Your car doesn't behave the way it normally would on dry pavement. Similarly, in nonlinear fiber optics, when light encounters certain conditions within the fiber, it can change its behavior dramatically.

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One of the cool things about nonlinear fiber optics is that it allows us to manipulate light in really interesting ways. For example, it enables the formation of what we call "solitons", which are special packets of light that can maintain their shape and intensity as they travel through the fiber. This is important for things like high-speed data transmission in optical communication systems because it helps prevent the light signal from getting distorted over long distances.

So, nonlinear fiber optics is all about understanding and harnessing these unique interactions between light and the fiber material to create new and exciting possibilities for technologies like ultrafast data transmission and laser systems. It opens many possibilities in the photonics world nowadays!

How did you become a team member of Professor Ryszard Buczynski? Tell us about it.

Oh, it's a bit of an adventure, actually! So, I was exploring opportunities abroad outside of Italy, wanting to broaden my horizons and delve deeper into the world of photonics. I stumbled upon the position on the website of the European Union, and when I saw the project focusing on dual-core fibers for all-optical switching, I was immediately intrigued!

You see, I originally studied Electronics Engineering in Italy, but I've always had this fascination with optics and light-based technologies. Photonics just seemed like this exciting field that's constantly evolving with endless possibilities. And when I read about the project led by Prof. Buczynski, with its potential applications in optical communications, I knew I had to be a part of it.

So, I took the leap and applied for the position, and luckily, everything fell into place! Joining Prof. Buczynski's team has been an incredible journey so far. The opportunity to work alongside such a knowledgeable and passionate group of researchers is truly inspiring. Plus, being able to contribute to cutting-edge research in photonics feels like a dream come true. It's been a whirlwind journey, but I couldn't be happier to have found my place here with Professor Buczynski's team.

Yes, it's true, photonics is fascinating, and nobody can deny that. What do you particularly like about the job? What and what are your career goals? What are your dreams?

Oh, where do I start? There are so many things I love about this job!? First of all, it's an incredible learning journey. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to expand my knowledge, and that's something I find really invigorating. Working with lasers and light is just fascinating to me, and being part of the photonics field, which is constantly evolving, is incredibly exciting.

One of the things I value most is the freedom that comes with working in research. It allows me to explore my interests, pursue innovative ideas, and contribute to cutting-edge research. Plus, being surrounded by motivated and passionate people, like my colleagues here, is incredibly inspiring. We're all working towards a common goal, and that sense of community is truly special to me.

As for my career goals, I aspire to make meaningful contributions to the field of photonics, whether it's through groundbreaking research, mentoring future scientists, or developing new technologies that can make a positive impact on society. Ultimately Who knows? That's the beauty of it all — it's a journey filled with endless possibilities, and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

Perhaps your way will lead you back to Poland? Did you decide to come back to Poland after your postdoctoral?

That's a great question. Well, I'm considering all my options at the moment. While my postdoctoral research has been incredibly rewarding, I'm also keeping an eye out for other opportunities that might help me further enhance my expertise and gain new experiences abroad.

However, I have to say, there's something about living in Poland particularly in Warsaw that has really captured my heart. The sense of serenity mixed with the vibrant energy of the city is truly unique. Plus, I'm constantly inspired by the forward-thinking attitude and motivation towards innovation that I see in the Polish people. It's quite infectious!

So, while I'm open to exploring different paths, I wouldn't mind at all if my journey eventually leads me to settle down here in Poland for the long haul. It's a place that feels like home, and I'm excited about the prospect of contributing to its future growth and development.

Is it easy to work so far from home? What do you miss about home? Maybe good Italian food, because Italian food is considered to be one of the best in the world.

Oh, absolutely! Working far from home has its challenges, especially when you come from a place as special as Italy. I do find myself missing my country quite a bit, especially my hometown of Concordia Sagittaria, about 70 km from Venice. The unique dialect ("diaeto de Cuncuardia", which is spoken only there), the memories, the sense of belonging - it's all very dear to me. And of course, being away from family is tough, particularly when I think about the lively gatherings and the warmth of their company.

But beyond that, there are so many things about Italy that tug at my heartstrings. The art and history, especially in places like Venice (it bewitches me every time I go there), Rome, and Altamura in Apulia region, where some of my relatives live, are simply breath-taking. And let's not forget the seaside charm of Caorle, or the majestic mountains of Friuli, Veneto and Trentino regions, which I hold close to my heart. And oh, the weather! The sunny days, especially in the winter, are something I definitely miss. And of course, how could I not mention the food? The aroma of freshly baked focaccia from Altamura is enough to make my mouth water just thinking about it.

But you know, being in Warsaw has its own perks too. It's true that Polish people might seem a bit reserved at first, but once you get to know them, you realize just how warm and loyal they are - much like Italians, in fact. It's been a pleasant surprise to see how beloved Italian culture is here, and how many similarities we share... see how many references to Italy are present just in the Warsaw Old Town! And it's always amusing when my Polish friends know more about Italian music than I do!

So yes, while there are certain things I miss from home, I've found a second home here in Poland, surrounded by wonderful people and a culture that's not so different from my own. And hey, when it comes to cuisine, I've been pleasantly surprised by the culinary delights Warsaw has to offer too! Barszcz, placki ziemniaczane and pierogi above all... but szarlotka and rogal ?wi?tomarciński too!

Well, and we got very tasty. But it's time for the last questions - the favorite Prof Buczyński’s question. What is your favorite wavelength?

I'd go with 1550 nm, the wavelength of optical communication. It's kind of funny because it's in the infrared spectrum, so humans can't see it with their own eyes. But hey, just because we can't see it doesn't mean it's not doing some serious talking! It's like the quiet hero behind the scenes, making sure our messages get through loud and clear. So, even though it's invisible, it's definitely got a powerful voice!

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Mattia, grazie mille for this interview, and my best wishes for the realization of all your plans. I hope we will have the opportunity to talk again when you make a breakthrough discovery. Maybe we can talk over Polish apple pie and Italian coffee.