"Productive and worthwhile", Yoann Jestin tells about his Mobility experience

Yoann Jestin, a researcher, actually a former researcher with the Advanced Photonics and Photovoltaics (APP) Unit of our Center for Materials and Microsystems (FBK-CMM), is one of the scientists who has spent a study period inCanada, at the '"Institut national pour la recherche scientique". 

Through the "Mobility" program, established by the Trento-based Fondazione Bruno Kessler to help develop the professional growth of researchers through international mobility experiences, Jestin spent four months in Montreal, intensifying his relationships with the local scientific community that has offered him the opportunity to stay at INRS-EMT with a new contract. 

Date: 
06/09/2013

 

In this short interview Jestin sent us from Montreal, tells us how it went.

Mr. Jestin, how would you define, with two adjectives, the study and work period you spent abroad?

Productive and worthwhile.

On which topics related to your research have you found elements for in-depth study?

Non-linear characterization of materials and development of experiments in integrated optics.

How does the research carried out by researchers from the Center that hosted you relate to the studies youwere conducting at FBK?

Researchers at INRS-EMT have been working for some years on devices built in a system of non-linear materials, very similar to the one developed by the APP team at the Foundation. These devices were commercial elements and now are no longer produced. The geometry of the studied devices were limited. The solution given by the APP team willallow the fabrication of devices in many different geometries; this will be very useful for the complete study of the materials and the development of new experiments.

Which research tools and interactions did you have the chance to experience?

I had the chance to work again in a lab totally dedicated to optical characterization, which FBK does not have. Thus, I had the chance to try and to “play” with a number of laser systems and interact with several specialists at the Center.

More generally, to which extent has your research been enhanced?

As I was in a very competitive environment, I was urged to participate in the drafting of multidisciplinary projects, gathering both scholars in the field of “materials” (like myself) and biology, laser experts, theorists. A great opportunity, that still allows me to have a wider view on the many activities that are needed to advance new research in this field.

Are there future collaborations in the pipeline with the Canadian work group?

A collaboration with the APP Unit is taking shape aand I hope that in the future we will be able to participate in common research projects and to demonstrate the capabilities of the materials produced by the APP group, for applications in the fields of non-linear optics and of telecommunications in general.

Please tell us about a story or a person that characterized your stay.

I would like to thank Manuela Bacca (Administrative Head of FBK's "Mobility" fellowship program who was always there for me and helped me solve a number of buroucratic issues. She really was my beacon between FBK and INRS-EMT throughout my stay.