PHOTONICS
SOCIETY
GHENT
ABOUT
PHOTONICS SOCIETY GHENT
The Photonics Society of Ghent (PSG), formerly known as the Ghent Optics Society, was formed in September 2016, when the SID-ME student branch and the SPIE student chapter of Ghent University joined hands. In 2017, the OSA student chapter was founded and added to the organization. By combining the different student chapters, PSG is able to provide their members with the benefits of all three professional organizations. Rather than competing for members, these chapters now cooperate to organize more and bigger events.
The aim of the PSG is to connect master and PhD students with each other, educators and industry. PSG does this through the organization of events such as social events, company visits, lectures, workshops, outreach activities and recruitment events.
MEET THE TEAM
Max Kiewiet
President
Max completed his Masters of Science in Applied Physics in 2021 at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Currently, he pursues a PhD at the Photonics Research Group of Ghent University. He received a FWO ‘Frank de Winne’ PhD fellowship for research with space applications. In his research, he attempts to create heterogeneously integrated GaAs lasers through transfer printing for near-visible metrology and data communications. Max joined the PSG in October 2022.
Jorik Withouck
Treasurer, Events
Jorik recieved his degree in Photonics Engineering at Ghent University in 2023. Now, as a PhD researcher for the Photonics Research Group he studies nonlinearities in thin-film Lithium Niobate for applications in Quantum Key Distribution systems. Jorik joined the PSG in October 2023.
Federico Pazzaglia
IT and media
Federico completed his Master's degree in Nanotechnology Engineering at "La Sapienza" University of Rome in 2022. Subsequently, in the same year, he started a PhD in Photonics at the Centre for MicroSystems Technologies (CMST), in Ghent. His ongoing research project focuses on the development of soft optical probes for deep brain stimulation. Federico became a member of the PSG group in September 2023.
Neethu Edathil Valappil
Events
Neethu completed master of science in Physics from Cochin university of science and technology, India. She is currently working as a PhD student at the Center for MicroSystems Technology (CMST), Ghent University. Her work focusses on the packaging of high power lasers on chip. Neethu joined the PSG in 2024.
Emiel Dieussaert
Former Treasurer
Emiel is currently a Ph.D. student at the Photonics Research Group of Ghent University. His research is focused onminiaturized laser doppler vibrometers on silicon-on-insulator platforms. Emiel joined the PSG in October 2021
Athanasios Kyriazis
Vice President
Thanos is currently doing his PhD at the Center for MicroSystems Technology (CMST), Ghent University, in collaboration with Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel. His research interests include Diffractive Optical Element microfabrication with two-photon polymerization and VCSEL integration in glass. Thanos joined the PSG in October 2022.
Korneel Molkens
Secretary
Korneel received a Bachelor and Master degree in Engineering physics from Ghent University. He is now a PhD student working with nano-materials, mainly colloidal quantum dots. His research include both spectroscopy of these materials, and their integration in photonic devices. Korneel joined the PSG in October 2022.
Rohan Sharma
PR
Rohan Sharma graduated from European Master of Science in Photonics in 2022 from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium. He is currently a PhD student at Liquid Crystals and Photonics Group at Ghent University. He received a FWO strategic basic research grant to research chiral liquid crystal based photonic devices. Rohan joined PSG in October 2022.
Viktor Geudens
Former President
Viktor Geudens received his European Master of Science degree in Photonics in 2019 at Ghent University, Belgium. He is currently working as a PhD student at the Center for MicroSystems Technology (CMST), Ghent University. His research focusses on photonic structures in glass by femtosecond laser inscription. Viktor joined the PSG in September 2021.
SPONSORS
