Paderborn Optics and Photonics Society (POPS)

Our Optica student chapter, Paderborn Optics and Photonics Society (POPS), aims to build networking among students and researchers in photonics. Funded by PhoQS PhD students, we organize events for students in Paderborn to engage in meaningful exchange, including social gatherings, workshops, invited lectures, and other community activities. The chapter’s vision is to create a vibrant environment for interaction, while also increasing the visibility of Paderborn and PhoQS as a hub for international photonics research.

Exe­cu­ti­ve Board

For the year 2026, the chapter’s executives are: 

President - Ankita Khanda  

Vice President - Abira Gnanavel  

Treasurer - Timon Schapeler  

Secretary - Jasmin Sommer  

Event Coordinators - Florian Lütkewitte, Nivedita Vishnukumar 

Media Outreach Directors - Alejandra Alarcón, Isabell C. Mischke 

Ver­an­stal­tun­gen

Universität Paderborn/Paderborn Optics and Photonics Society

Hosted by the Paderborn Optics and Photonics Society (POPS) (formerly known as Paderborn Optica Student Chapter). For many Master’s and PhD students, the path through academia is clear, but the destination beyond the degree is often a blur. The question "What’s next?" can be as daunting as the thesis itself. Should you stay in academia? Is a PhD the right choice for your career goals? What does industry actually look like? What other options…

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In celebration of the International Day of Light, our Optica Student Chapter organized an exciting Game Night Event that combined science, fun, and student engagement. Held on 14th of May 2025, the event brought together students from the physics department to enjoy a series of light-themed games and interactive challenges. Participants competed in activities such as optics puzzles, laser chess, and light-based quizzes, all designed to highlight…

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Participants of the workshop and the moderator Dr. Claus Roll, Senior Deputy Director of Optica Europe

On the 27th of March, the Optica Student Chapter of Paderborn organized a half-day workshop on scientific writing and publishing held by Dr. Claus Roll, Senior Deputy Director of Optica. The event focused on the preparation for writing a scientific article, its structure, journal selection, as well as the ethical issues governing experiments and the publishing process.  Special thanks to Optica and PhoQS for financial support!

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Picture (Paderborn University, A. Khanda): The kickoff meeting of the recently founded Optica Student Chapter was opened by Franz Roeder.

Optica Student Chapter opened at Paderborn University A new Optica Student Chapter recently opened at Paderborn University. With the successful application, undergraduate and graduate students can now assemble in the Chapter for exchange, social gatherings, workshops, invited lectures and other activities. The Chapter’s vision is to form a vibrant exchange among students in optics and photonics across Paderborn University, as well as to increase…

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