National Meeting of Optics and Photonics

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The 2026 National Optics and Photonics Meeting was conceived from a student-driven vision to strengthen the optics and photonics community at the National Polytechnic School. Designed by students and for students, this event goes beyond the traditional classroom to provide a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. Following the outstanding success of the first edition in 2024, our goal is to establish a platform where the scientific curiosity of undergraduate students can be guided through direct interaction with leading experts and cutting-edge research


  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration


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  • Av. Toledo
  • Madrid N23-55
  • Quito, Pichincha
  • Ecuador 170143
  • Building: CEC-EPN
  • Room Number: Auditorium 2
  • Click here for Map
  • Contact Event Hosts
  • Co-sponsored by OPTICA Student Chapter EPN

  Speakers

Juan Rafael Alvarez of OPTICA

Topic:

Multi-dimensional Frequency-Bin Entanglement-Based Quantum Key Distribution Networks

Quantum networks enhance quantum communication schemes and link multiple users over large areas. Harnessing high dimensional quantum states - i.e. qu-d-its - allows for a denser transfer of information with increased robustness to noise compared to qubits. Frequency encoding enables access to such qu-d-its at telecom wavelengths, while manipulating quantum information with off-the-shelf fibered devices. In this talk, I will show how we use a low free spectral range silicon microresonator to generate Bell states of dimension d=2 (qubits) and d=3 (qutrits) via spontaneous four wave mixing, to implement and optimize a multi-dimensional frequency-bin entanglement-based quantum key distribution network.
 

Biography:

 

Juan Rafael Alvarez Velasquez is an Assistant Professor at Télécom Paris, affiliated with the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and a member of the Optical Telecommunications research group in the Laboratory for the Treatment and Communication of Information (LTCI). He holds a PhD in experimental physics from the University of Oxford, where he worked on light–matter interaction in high-finesse open cavities. His research lies in the field of quantum optics and quantum information technologies, with a particular focus on free-space quantum communications, continuous-variable quantum cryptography, and the deployment of quantum networks. He has notably contributed to the development of decoherence-assisted quantum key distribution protocols and to the generation of random numbers through coherent detection of quantum phase noise. He supervises various projects in quantum physics and photonics involving both academic partners and graduate students. He is also passionate about teaching and the dissemination of science to the general public.

Email:

Address:France

Luis Borrero of PUCE

Topic:

Modular optical spectroscopy for materials characterization

Modular Optical Spectroscopy for Materials Characterization is an approach that uses flexible and configurable optical spectroscopy systems to study the physical and chemical properties of different materials. By analyzing how a material interacts with light—through processes such as absorption, emission, reflection, or scattering—it is possible to obtain valuable information about its composition, structure, and optical behavior.

The modular nature of these systems allows different optical components and measurement techniques to be combined and adapted according to the specific characteristics of the material under study. This flexibility makes modular optical spectroscopy a useful tool in areas such as materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, and engineering.

Biography:

 

Dr. Borrero holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the Central University of Venezuela, a Master's degree in Physics from the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, a Doctorate in Sciences with a specialization in Applied Physics from the University of São Paulo, and a Postdoctoral degree in Physics from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. He has worked as a university professor and researcher in Physics in the field of Optics and spectroscopy. His research areas are: Optical spectroscopy, luminescent materials, nanostructures, and optical thermometry. He has published 33 scientific articles in journals indexed in SCOPUS and has 468 citations. He has been granted an industrial patent for a version of the photoelectric effect experiment for measuring Planck's constant and an industrial patent for a prototype LED photometer for absorbance measurements. He has collaborated as a reviewer for several journals and has participated in various national and international scientific events. Additionally, he is a member of the following societies: OPTICA, the Society for Applied Spectroscopy, and the Brazilian Physics Society. He collaborates with researchers in the fields of Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, and Architecture. He is currently a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador and Coordinator of the Applied Optics Laboratory.

 

Email:

Address:Ecuador


Carlos Reinoso of Universidad Yachay Tech

Topic:

Advanced Characterization in Ecuador using Optical and X-ray Spectrometry

Biography:

Ecuadorian physicist born in Latacunga and researcher specialized in Nanotechnology, who graduated from the National Polytechnic School (2007), earned a master's degree in Communication Networks and Sensors at PUCE (2013), and completed a PhD with distinction at the University of Vienna (2018). He has held academic and research positions at institutions including ESPE, Salesian Polytechnic University, the Technical University of Cotopaxi, and the University of Vienna; furthermore, he has been recognized with international research grants and visiting scholar appointments at ICTP in Italy, China, and Tokyo Metropolitan University in Japan, alongside his active involvement in social leadership with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ecuador.

Email:

Address:Ecuador

Garima Bawa of OPTICA

Topic:

From Fiber to Brain Implants: Navigating a Career in Bio-photonics & Neurotechnology

A career in optics and photonics does not always follow a straight path. In this talk, I will share my journey from working with optical fibers and waveguide sensors during my doctoral research to exploring bio photonics and neurotechnology, including the development of optical sensing platforms for applications in neuroscience. Through examples from my research, I will discuss how fundamental concepts in optics such as light propagation, interference, coupling, and sensing can be translated across seemingly different fields and used to address interdisciplinary problems. I will also reflect on navigating transitions between research areas, learning new skills, and finding opportunities at the intersection of physics, engineering, biology, and medicine. The talk aims to give students a broader perspective on the diverse career and research pathways available in optics and photonics and to encourage them to remain open to opportunities beyond the boundaries of their initial specialization.

Biography:

Dr. Garima Bawa is a postdoctoral researcher at the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), University of Central Florida, where her research focuses on optical waveguides, fiber-optic devices, integrated photonics, and optical sensing. She received her Ph.D. in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, where she was awarded the Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Medal for her academic achievements, leadership, and service. She currently serves as a 2026 Optica Ambassador and Vice Chair of Optica’s Fiber Modeling and Fabrication Technical Group. Passionate about scientific communication, mentorship, and community building, she actively works to support students and early-career researchers in developing their confidence, visibility, and professional networks.

Email:

Address:Canada