Vivek KUMAR

With a keen interest in pushing the boundaries of optical science, I am a postdoctoral fellow in the MS Laboratory, currently affiliated with the University of Bordeaux (UMR CNRS 5218) in Talence, Bordeaux, France. My research interest lies in high-speed optical imaging, an indispensable technology for the blur-free observation of fast transient dynamics in virtually all areas, including science, industry, defense, communication, and medicine. For instance, optical imaging modalities operating at a picosecond timescale can fundamentally influence sensing and our perception, enabling us to peer within a limited field of view where even slow events appear to occur ( ultra) fast. In this context, I like to unravel the historical fabric of optical imaging and dig down the topics ranging from the earliest days of imaging to the current state-of-the-art ultrafast imaging solutions that drive innovation today. Additionally, I explore why learning the nature of light is not solely a scientific pursuit but also a crucial step toward uncovering the hidden secrets of our world and existence.

Education

• PhD in Ultrafast Photonics  (2023 )
  School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Sussex, UK.
• MTech in Optoelectronics and Optical Communication  (2019 )
  Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, India.
• MSc in Physics  (201 6 )
  Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, India.
• BSc (H) in Physics (201 3 )
  Department of Physics, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, India.

Honors and Awards

• Best contribution to the Wonderful World of Optics Competition (IONS IRELAND-2021)
• OSA Best Student Paper Award – CLEO Europe 2021
• Doctoral Overseas Conference Grant – University of Sussex
• European Research Council (ERC) Postgraduate Studentship
• Certificate of Merit for being among the 0.1% of students in India
• All India Rank of 760 (GATE Score: 462) in GATE PH-2017 (Physics)

Professional Membership

• Secretary – Optica Student Chapter-University of Sussex, UK (2020-2023) 
• Member – Optica (Formerly OSA)  ( 2021-Present )
• Member – Training and Placement Unit-Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi  ( 2018-2019 )
• Member – Gender Sensitizing Committee (GSC), Ramjas College, University of Delhi  (2010-2013)