​For many of us, August is a time to catch our breath, but there is no shortage of important topics in the Polish optics and photonics sector. In this issue, we cover, amongst other things, Photonics4Defense 2026, an update on the Polish Research Infrastructure Map, the new ESA centre in Warsaw, developments in VCSEL technology, and interesting research findings on light modulators and luminescent materials.

At the same time, we are slowly gearing up for a busy autumn – with more conferences, workshops and industry meetings ahead of us. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy some relaxing summer reading and – as always – to share with us any information worth bringing to the attention of the whole community.

candela

Photonics4Defense 2026 will once again bring photonics and the defence sector together

Update to the Polish Research Infrastructure Map

​The updated Polish Research Infrastructure Map covers 165 strategic infrastructures, amongst which optics and photonics are also strongly represented. The list includes, amongst others, the AGH University of Science and Technology’s Fibre Optics Technology Centre, the FAMO laboratories at Nicolaus Copernicus University, the pilot line for integrated mid-infrared photonics at the Military University of Technology, PolFEL, EuXFEL and ELI ERIC. 

A new ESA centre is to be built in Warsaw

The European Space Agency and Poland are to establish a civil security and crisis management centre in Warsaw. The centre is intended to support European initiatives based on satellite data, secure communications and rapid crisis response. It also presents an opportunity to showcase Polish expertise in photonics – ranging from optical Earth observation and sensors to laser communications and image data processing.

VIGO Photonics is developing a new generation of VCSEL lasers