March 8, 2024 5th International Workshop on Optomechanics and Brillouin Scattering 2024 brings together global research leaders in Campinas, Brazil
Campinas becomes a global hub for cutting-edge research in Optomechanics and Brillouin Scattering, attracting top researchers worldwide.
Text by Greta Garcia
In February 2024, the University of Campinas hosted the 5th International Workshop on Optomechanics and Brillouin Scattering (WOMBAT 2024). Organized by members of the IPhD, the event attracted a wide range of specialized researchers in the field, covering from fundamental studies to practical applications.
WOMBAT 2024 provided a unique opportunity for participants to explore cutting-edge developments in Brillouin Scattering and Optomechanics in a conducive environment for collaborative discussions and networking. With an organizing committee comprising prominent names like Gustavo Wiederhecker, Thiago Alegre, Pierre-Louis de Assis, and Newton Frateschi, the event fostered an environment for innovative research and the development of emerging talent in these fields.
The program featured four stimulating 4 days of lectures, poster sessions, and conversations, along with high-level tutorials led by renowned experts. Professionals from various countries, including Birgit Stiller from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in Germany, Daniel Blumenthal from the University of California, Santa Barbara in the USA, Alejandro Fainstein from the Bariloche Atomic Center in Argentina, and many others, shared their valuable research and insights with the community. The active participation of the 13 international speakers at WOMBAT further solidifies Brazil as a significant center for research and innovation.
During the event, recognition was also given to the most outstanding presentations. The winners were Liu Chen (Delft) with his presentation “Quantum Optomechanics with Quasi-2D Optomechanical Crystal Cavities” and Felix Mayor (Stanford) with “Improving thermalization in piezo-optomechanical microwave-to-optical transducers”, both awarded the best poster prize. Additionally, Laura Blázquez Martínez (MPL) was acknowledged for her presentation “Optoacoustic cooling of traveling hypersound waves” with the best talk award. The best presentation award was also granted to Caíque Conde Rodrigues (Unicamp) for his presentation “Stimulated Brillouin scattering by surface acoustic waves in lithium niobate waveguides”. Congratulations to the winners for their outstanding work and significant contributions to the field!
To fulfill its mission of providing a platform for advancing knowledge and establishing lasting partnerships, the event received support from partners and sponsors such as Unicamp, FAPESP, Sbfóton, Optica (OSA), APL Photonics, Keysight, Thorlabs, and the Global Office of Naval Research and Science & Technology. Learn more about the program and invited speakers on the event’s official website.