From Mumbai to Munich

Meet our doctoral researcher Nirmal Renji Mathew.

Winding down after a long day in the lab can take various forms - some like to go into nature, others do sports. For our doctoral candidate Nirmal Renji Mathew, it's music. Nirmal is pursuing his PhD in the research group of Prof. Ferenc Krausz under the supervision of Dr. Volodymyr Pervak, where he works on developing specialized mirrors for applications with ultrashort pulse lasers. Get to know Nirmal and his research in this interview. 

What’s your main research focus for your PhD?

Ultrashort pulse lasers can deliver energy in incredibly brief bursts. This makes them useful for applications across modern science, from studying fundamental physics to cancer research.

In my research, I will be developing specialized mirrors called dispersive mirrors. An ultrashort laser pulse is actually a blend of many different wavelengths of light. Passing through standard optics causes these wavelengths to travel at different speeds which smears the pulse out over time. Dispersive mirrors counteract this effect and prevent the laser pulse from stretching out and losing its intensity as it travels.

What excites you most about this field?


The ability to manipulate light in different ways that fit the individual needs of an experiment is something I find very exciting. This allows me to be a part of various experiments that probe very different science rather than confining myself to one particular project.

What and where did you study?


I completed my bachelor’s at St. Xaviers College in Mumbai, India. Following my bachelor’s in Physics, I pursued my master’s from LMU Munich. During my master’s, I worked at UltraFast Innovations, a company which specializes in the production of optics for ultrafast science which led me to a PhD in the field.

What attracted you to the IMPRS-APS program?


I was introduced to the IMPRS-APS program by an alumna of the program during one of our conversations. I was told of the wonderful research and exchange of ideas among people who work in very different topics. This opportunity to network with the finest minds combined with the social fun activities is what drove me towards the IMPRS-APS.

What skills do you want to develop during your PhD?


Besides the scientific rigor, I would like to develop soft skills like management, organization and scientific communication. I believe that a PhD is the right platform for this since effective communication with collaborators and peers is as important to research as the research itself. Along the side, maybe some 3D printing cannot hurt.

What’s a fun fact about you, a hobby or something else that you enjoy outside research?

I enjoy playing the piano and teaching myself how to play the guitar during my free time. I am also part of a small music band and occasionally play music with them. Music is something that really helps me wind down after a long day at the labs.

Thanks for the interview!

Pictures: Nina Beier