Dr. Fabian Ruf

Fabian Ruf is an Integrated Optics & Photonics Designer in the Corporate Research & Technology department of ZEISS, Germany. His primary research interests are the design and simulation of photonic integrated circuits and their potential for miniaturization, scale-up and novel functionalities in various real-world applications.

He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany in 2015 and 2019, respectively. His research explored the potential of polymeric optical microcavities and novel perovskite solar cells, employing optical spectroscopy techniques. From 2020 to 2023, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Integrated Photonics Group at Aarhus University, Denmark, where he focused on the development of photonic integrated circuits based on generic foundry platforms for quantum applications.

In addition to his research interests, Fabian is passionate about teaching and promoting optics and photonics at all levels, particularly as a means of enhancing educational opportunities in underprivileged communities. He has been awarded the 2023 Milton and Rosalind Chang Pivoting Fellowship for his work with the Helping Hands Network, a non-governmental organization based in Monrovia, Liberia. He was recognized for “his vision and dedication to creating practical teaching tools and fostering a passion for science through optics in Liberia and other African countries, inspiring teachers and students alike.” He is committed to fostering networks to promote educational development and research cooperation across Africa and beyond.

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