Hi! I'm Lukasz Sterczewski, an associate professor
and ERC grantee at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland.

I am a former researcher at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I develop lasers and spectroscopic techniques in the mid-infrared and terahertz range.
My passion is to employ optics and electronics for practical purposes.

 Publications

Please find the list of my publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations below.
Disclaimer: Manuscripts here are for non-commercial, educational or personal use only and are not intended for mass dissemination or copying.
My academic profiles and curriculum vitae (PL|EN):

Publications

  1. G. Gomolka, F. Pilat, B. Schwarz, C. Soo Kim, M. Kim, C. L. Canedy, I. Vurgaftman, J. R. Meyer, and L. A. Sterczewski, “Microwave noise downconversion in interband cascade laser frequency combs”, arXiv:2604.21418 (2026). ( arXiv ) ( pdf )
  2. J. Mnich, G. Gomolka, M. Schossig, J. Sotor, and L. A. Sterczewski, "Incoherent Fourier transform spectroscopy with room-temperature coverage from NIR to THz", arXiv:2603.14611 (2026). ( arXiv ) ( pdf )
  3. B. Hinkov*, J. Kunsch*, W. Mäntele*, L. A. Sterczewski* et al., "Infrared photonics for healthcare: A Roadmap for proactive and predictive health management", in review in Journal of Physics: Photonics (2026). ( arXiv ) ( pdf )
  4. A. F. Chlebowski, L. A. Sterczewski, and J. Sotor, "Pulse duration retrieval using a commercial laser diode with a monitor photodiode", Optics Express 34, 6968-6977 (2026). ( pdf ) ( OPG ) ( arXiv ) ( pdf )
  5. J. R. Meyer, I. Vurgaftman, S.-Q. Yu, R. Q. Yang, A. M. Andrews, G. Strasser, B. Schwarz, M. Razeghi, L. Shterengas, G. Kipshidze, G. Belenky, L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Midinfrared Semiconductor Photonics – A Roadmap", in review in Advances in Optics and Photonics (2026). ( arXiv ) ( pdf )
  6. Q. Huang, L. Dai, F. Wu, S. Sergeyev, H. Tian, W. Chen, L. A. Sterczewski, and C. Mou, "Polarization Dynamics in Harmonic Mode Locked Vector Soliton Laser", Chaos, Solitons and Fractals 202, 117463 (2026). ( pdf ) ( Elsevier )
  7. A. F. Chlebowski, J. Mnich, L. A. Sterczewski, and J. Sotor, "Sensitive and accurate femtosecond pulse characterization via two-photon absorption in Fabry-Pérot laser diodes", Measurement, 119259 (2025). ( pdf ) ( Elsevier ) ( arXiv ) ( dataset )
  8. L. A. Sterczewski, "Optical frequency combs produced by semiconductor and fiber lasers: spectral and temporal properties" & "New spectroscopy and imaging techniques using free-running optical frequency combs”, Habilitation documentation, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (2024). ( Summary EN ) ( List EN ) ( Summary PL ) ( List PL )
  9. S. A. Lukasik, and L. A. Sterczewski, "Hidden Far-Field Beam Profile Artifacts in Wide-Angle Radiometric Goniometry", Optics Express 33, 39828-39841 (2025). ( pdf ) ( supplementary ) ( Code ) ( OPG ) ( dataset )
  10. R. Li, H. Tian, Y. Liu, D. Dong, L. Sterczewski, and W. Zhou, "High-precision absolute distance measurement by cascaded synthetic wavelength interferometry using a single electro-optic frequency comb", Optics Express 33, 10528-10537 (2025). ( pdf ) ( OPG )
  11. H. Tian, and L. A. Sterczewski, "Impact of optical frequency comb noise on free-running dual-comb spectroscopy", Optics Express 33, 5075-5087 (2025). ( pdf ) ( supplementary ) ( OPG ) ( dataset )
  12. T-L. Chen; C. Markus, D. Ober, L. Sterczewski, Y-J. Huang, M. Lisano, C. Canedy, I. Vurgaftman, C. Frez, J. Meyer, M. Bagheri, and M. Okumura, "Direct Frequency Comb Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy using Vernier Filtering", Journal of Physical Chemistry A 129, 1452–1458 (2025). ( pdf ) ( ACS ) ( supplementary )
  13. J. Mnich, J. Kunsch, M. Budden, T. Gebert, M. Schossig, J. Sotor, and L. A. Sterczewski, "Ultra-broadband room-temperature Fourier transform spectrometer with watt-level power consumption", Optics Express 32, 45801-45815 (2024). ( pdf ) ( OPG ) ( arXiv ) ( dataset )
  14. L. A. Sterczewski, J. Mnich, and J. Sotor, "Broadband THz wave generation and detection in organic crystal PNPA at MHz repetition rates," Advanced Physics Research , 2400105 (2024). ( Wiley ) ( pdf ) ( arXiv ) ( dataset )
  15. J. Hayden, M. Geiser, M. Gianella, R. Horvath, A. Hugi, L. Sterczewski, and M. Mangold, "Mid-Infrared Dual-Comb Spectroscopy with Quantum Cascade Lasers," APL Photonics 9, 031101, (2024). ( pdf ) ( AIP )
  16. L. A. Sterczewski, and M. Bagheri, "Sub-nominal Resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometry with Chip-Based Combs," Laser & Photonics Reviews 18, 2300724 (2024). ( pdf ) ( supplementary ) ( ArXiv ) ( dataset )
  17. J. Boguslawski, L. A. Sterczewski, D. Stachowiak, and G. Sobon, "Intracavity filtering in SESAM mode-locked fiber lasers: soliton effects and noise performance," Optics Express 31, 27667-27676 (2023). ( pdf ) ( OPG ) ( supplementary ) ( code & data ) ( ArXiv )
  18. J. Ciazela, J. Bakala, M. Kowalinski, B. Pieterek, M. Steslicki, M. Ciazela, G. Paslawski, N. Zalewska, L. Sterczewski, Z. Szaforz, M. Jozefowicz, D. Marciniak, M. Fitt, A. Sniadkowski, M. Rataj, and T. Mrozek, "Lunar ore geology and feasibility of ore mineral detection using a far-IR spectrometer," Frontiers in Earth Science 11, 1190825 (2023). ( pdf ) ( Frontiers ) ( code ) ( ArXiv )
  19. L. A. Sterczewski, and J. Sotor, "Two-photon imaging of soliton dynamics," Nature Communications 14, 3339 (2023). ( pdf ) ( NPG ) ( ArXiv ) ( dataset )
  20. G. Wysocki, J. Westberg, and L. A. Sterczewski, "Multi-Heterodyne Spectroscopic Sensing and Applications of Mid-Infrared and Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers", in Mid-Infrared and Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers, book edited by D. Botez and M. A. Belkin (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2023). ( pdf ) ( Cambridge )
  21. L. A. Sterczewski, M. Fradet, C. Frez, S. Forouhar, and M. Bagheri, "Battery-operated mid-infrared diode laser frequency combs," Laser & Photonics Reviews 17, 2200224 (2023). ( pdf ) ( ArXiv ) ( Wiley ) ( Journal cover )
  22. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, and G. Wysocki, "Fast computational phase and timing correction for multiheterodyne spectroscopy," US Patent 11,499,867 (2022). ( pdf US )
  23. H. Tian, R. Li, T. Endo, T. Kato, A. Asahara, L. A. Sterczewski, K. Minoshima, "Dual-comb spectroscopy using free-running mechanical sharing dual-comb fiber lasers," Applied Physics Letters 121, 211104, (2022). ( pdf ) ( AIP ) ( ArXiv )
  24. H. Tian, R. Li, L. A. Sterczewski, T. Kato, A. Asahara, K. Minoshima, "Quasi-real-time dual-comb spectroscopy with 750-MHz Yb:fiber combs," Optics Express 30, 28427-28437 (2022). ( pdf ) ( OPG ) ( video ) ( ArXiv )
  25. M. Kowalczyk, L. A. Sterczewski, X. Zhang, V. Petrov, and J. Sotor, "Dual-dispersion-regime dual-comb mode-locked laser," Optics Letters 47, 1762-1765 (2022). ( pdf ) ( code & data ) ( OPG ) ( ArXiv ) ( suppl. )
  26. L. A. Sterczewski*, T.-L. Chen*, D. C. Ober, C. R. Markus, C. L. Canedy, I. Vurgaftman, C. Frez, J. R. Meyer, M. Okumura, and M. Bagheri, "Cavity-enhanced Vernier spectroscopy with a chip-scale mid-infrared frequency comb," ACS Photonics 9, 994–1001 (2022). ( pdf ) ( ACS ) ( ArXiv ) ( Journal cover )
  27. I. Vurgaftman, C. D. Merritt, C. L. Canedy, C. S. Kim, M. Kim, W. W. Bewley, L. A. Sterczewski, M. Bagheri, C. Frez, and J. R. Meyer, "Toward Robust and Practical Interband Cascade Laser Frequency Combs: A Perspective," Applied Physics Letters 119, 230503 (2021). ( pdf ) ( AIP )
  28. L. A. Sterczewski M. Bagheri, C. Frez, C. L. Canedy, I. Vurgaftman, M. Kim, C. S. Kim, C. D. Merritt, W. W. Bewley and J. R. Meyer, "Interband cascade laser frequency combs (invited review)," Journal of Physics Photonics 3, 042003 (2021). ( pdf ) ( IOP )
  29. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, and G. Wysocki, "Fast computational phase and timing correction for multiheterodyne spectroscopy," US Patent 11,015,975 (2021), International Patent Application, WO 2018/213286 A1 (2018). ( pdf US ) ( pdf WO ) ( PatentScope )
  30. M. Kowalczyk, L. A. Sterczewski, X. Zhang, V. Petrov, Z. Wang, and J. Sotor, "Dual-comb femtosecond solid-state laser with inherent polarization-multiplexing," Laser & Photonics Reviews 15, 2000441 (2021). ( pdf ) ( ArXiv ) ( suppl. ) ( Wiley ) ( Journal cover )
  31. L. A. Sterczewski and M. Bagheri, "Subsampling dual-comb spectroscopy," Optics Letters 45, 4895-4898 (2020). ( pdf ) ( code ) ( OSA ) ( Paper promo )
  32. L. A. Sterczewski, C. Frez, S. Forouhar, D. Burghoff, and M. Bagheri, "Frequency-modulated diode laser frequency combs at 2 μm wavelength," APL Photonics 5, 076111 (2020) [Featured article] [Journal cover article]. ( pdf ) ( suppl. ) ( AIP ) ( Scilight ) ( Journal cover )
  33. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, Y. Yang, D. Burghoff, J. Reno, Q. Hu, and G. Wysocki, "Terahertz spectroscopy of gas mixtures with dual quantum cascade laser frequency combs," ACS Photonics 7, 1082-1087 (2020). ( pdf ) ( ACS ) ( accepted )
  34. L. A. Sterczewski, M. Bagheri, C. Frez, C. L. Canedy, I. Vurgaftman, and J. R. Meyer, "Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy with room-temperature bi-functional interband cascade lasers and detectors," Applied Physics Letters 116, 141102 (2020) [Editor's pick]. ( pdf ) ( accepted ) ( AIP ) ( Scilight )
  35. L. A. Sterczewski, M. Bagheri, C. Frez, C. L. Canedy, I. Vurgaftman, M. Kim, C. S. Kim, C. D. Merritt, W. W. Bewley, and J. R. Meyer, "Near-infrared frequency comb generation in mid-infrared interband cascade lasers," Optics Letters 44, 5828-5831 (2019). ( pdf ) ( OSA ) ( accepted )
  36. L. A. Sterczewski, A. Przewloka, W. Kaszub, and J. Sotor, "Computational Doppler-limited dual-comb spectroscopy with a free-running all-fiber laser," APL Photonics, 4, 116102 (2019) [Editor's pick]. ( pdf ) ( suppl. ) ( APL ) ( ArXiv )
  37. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, and G. Wysocki, "Computational coherent averaging for free-running dual-comb spectroscopy," Optics Express 27, 23875-23893 (2019). ( pdf ) ( OSA ) ( ArXiv )
  38. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, Y. Yang, D. Burghoff, J. Reno, Q. Hu, and G. Wysocki, "Terahertz hyperspectral imaging with dual chip-scale combs," Optica, 6, 766-771 (2019). ( pdf ) ( suppl. )
    39. ( ArXiv ) ( ScienceDaily , Princeton Website , Photonics Online ) ( Top-downloaded paper )
  39. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, M. Bagheri, C. Frez, I. Vurgaftman, C. L. Canedy, W. W. Bewley, C. D. Merritt, C. S. Kim, M. Kim, J. R. Meyer, and G. Wysocki, "Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy with interband cascade lasers," Optics Letters 44, 2113-2116 (2019). ( pdf ) ( ArXiv )
  40. L. A. Sterczewski, "Signal processing in terahertz and mid-infrared spectroscopy with frequency combs," Ph.D. thesis, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (2018). ( pdf )
  41. J. Westberg*, L. A. Sterczewski*, F. Kapsalidis, Y. Bidaux, J. M Wolf, M. Beck, J. Faist, and G. Wysocki, "Dual-comb spectroscopy using plasmon-enhanced-waveguide dispersion-compensated quantum cascade lasers," Optics Letters 43, 4522-4525 (2018). ( pdf )
  42. M. Bagheri, C. Frez, L. A. Sterczewski, I. Gruidin, M. Fradet, I. Vurgaftman, C. L. Canedy, W. W. Bewley, C. D. Merritt, C. S. Kim, M. Kim, and J. R. Meyer, "Passively mode-locked interband cascade optical frequency combs," Scientific Reports 8, 3322 (2018). ( pdf ) ( suppl. )
  43. L. A. Sterczewski, K. Nowak, B. Szlachetko, M. P. Grzelczak, B. S-. Siega., S. Plinska, W. Malinka, and E. F. Plinski, "Chemometric Evaluation of THz Spectral Similarity for the Selection of Early Drug Candidates," Scientific Reports 7, 14583 (2017). ( pdf ) ( suppl. )
  44. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, C. L. Patrick, C. S. Kim, M. Kim, C. L. Canedy, W. W. Bewley, C. D. Merritt, I. Vurgaftman, J. R. Meyer, and G. Wysocki, "Multiheterodyne spectroscopy using interband cascade lasers," Optical Engineering 57, 011014 (2018). ( pdf ) ( ArXiv )
  45. J. Westberg*, L. A. Sterczewski*, and G. Wysocki, "Mid-infrared multiheterodyne spectroscopy with phase-locked quantum cascade lasers," Applied Physics Letters 110, 141108 (2017). ( pdf ) ( suppl. )
  46. L. A. Sterczewski*, J. Westberg*, and G. Wysocki, "Molecular dispersion spectroscopy based on Fabry-Pérot quantum cascade lasers," Optics Letters 42, 243-246 (2017). ( pdf )
  47. L. A. Sterczewski, M. P. Grzelczak, K. Nowak, B. Szlachetko, and E. F. Plinski, "Bayesian separation algorithm of THz spectral sources applied to D-glucose monohydrate dehydration kinetics," Chemical Physics Letters 644, 45–50 (2016). ( pdf )
  48. L. A. Sterczewski, J. Westberg, and G. Wysocki, "Tuning properties of mid-infrared Fabry-Pérot quantum cascade lasers for multiheterodyne spectroscopy," Photonics Letters of Poland 8, 113–115 (2016). [invited] ( pdf )
  49. L. A. Sterczewski, M. P. Grzelczak, and E. F. Plinski, "Heating system of pellet samples integrated with terahertz spectrometer," Review of Scientific Instruments 87, 13106 (2016). ( pdf )
  50. L. A. Sterczewski, M. P. Grzelczak, and E. F. Plinski, "Terahertz antenna electronic chopper," Review of Scientific Instruments 87, 14702 (2016). ( pdf )
  51. L. A. Sterczewski, M. P. Grzelczak, K. Nowak, and E. F. Plinski, "Cast terahertz lenses made of caramelized sucrose," Optical Engineering 55, 90505 (2016). ( pdf )
  52. K. Nowak, E. F. Plinski, B. Karolewicz, P. P. Jarzab, S. Plinska, B. Fuglewicz, M. J. Walczakowski, L. Augustyn, L. A. Sterczewski, M. P. Grzelczak, M. Hruszowiec, G. Beziuk, M. Mikulic, N. Palka, and M. Szustakowski, "Selected aspects of terahertz spectroscopy in pharmaceutical sciences," Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica 72, 851—866 (2015). ( pdf )
    53. _______________________
    *These authors contributed equally

Full-length proceeding articles

  1. L.A. Sterczewski, M. P. Grzelczak, K. Nowak, B. Szlachetko, S. Plinska, B. Szczesniak-Siega, W. Malinka, and E. F. Plinski, "Piroxicam derivatives THz classification," SPIE Photonics West 2016, CA, USA, February 13-18 (2016). (Best student paper award) ( pdf )
  2. C. L. Patrick, L. A. Sterczewski, J. Westberg, W. W. Bewley, C. D. Merritt, C. L. Canedy, C. S. Kim, M. Kim, I. Vurgaftman, J. R. Meyer, and G. Wysocki; "Multi-heterodyne spectroscopy using Fabry-Perot interband cascade lasers for trace gas detection: a feasibility assessment," SPIE Photonics West 2017, CA, USA, January 28–February 2 (2017). ( pdf )

Presentations

  1. L. A. Sterczewski, "Next-generation Fourier transform spectrometers - follow up", IR-Workshop 2026, Ulm, Germany, March 17-18 (2025). ( pdf )
  2. L. A. Sterczewski, "GaSb-based semiconductor laser frequency combs: soliton formation and spectral envelope engineering", ETH Physics Department, 24.02.2026, Zurich, Switzerland
  3. L. A. Sterczewski, "Broadband THz spectroscopy: a tool for solid-state chemistry enabled by molecular engineering" (invited seminar), Faculty of Chemistry Seminar, University of Wroclaw, December 4 (2025). ( pdf )
  4. L. A. Sterczewski, "Fotonika terahercowa na bazie organicznych kryształów nieliniowych" (invited talk), 54 Ogolnopolska Szkola Chemii, Karpicko, Poland, November 8 (2025). ( pdf )
  5. L. A. Sterczewski, "Terahertz photonics using organic nonlinear optical crystals", IRWorkshop, Olching, Germany, November 12-13 (2025). ( pdf )
  6. L. A. Sterczewski, "Optical Sensing Technologies in Space Applications" (invited talk), European Conference on Solid-State Transducers Eurosensors XXXVII, Wroclaw, Poland September 7-10 (2025). ( pdf )
  7. L. A. Sterczewski, "Towards Ultra-broadband Fourier Transform Spectroscopy from UV to THz" (invited talk), Optica Sensing Congress 2025, Long Beach, CA, USA, July 20-24 (2025). ( pdf )
  8. L. A. Sterczewski, et al. "Soliton generation triggered by modulation instability in GaSb quantum well diode lasers", International Conference on Mid-Infrared Optoelectronic Materials and Devices XVII (MIOMD), Vienna, Austria, July 13-16 (2025). ( pdf )
  9. L. A. Sterczewski, "Nie taka daleka podczerwień - sięgając fal terahercowych" (invited talk in Polish), VIII Polska Konferencja Optyczna (PKO), Rzeszow, Poland, June 30-July 3 (2025). ( pdf )
  10. L. A. Sterczewski, "Terahertz photonics using organic nonlinear optical crystals" (invited talk), PhoBiA Annual Nanophotonics International Conference 2025, Wroclaw, Poland, June 4-6 (2025). ( pdf )
  11. A. Kotulska, (...), and L. A. Sterczewski, "Ultra-broadband field-resolved THz spectroscopy with erbium-doped fiber lasers and organic crystals" (invited talk)", The 12th International Symposium on Terahertz-Related Devices and Technologies: TeraTech 2025, Salamanca, Spain, June 2-6 (2025). ( pdf )
  12. L. A. Sterczewski, "Next-generation Fourier transform spectrometers", IR-Workshop 2025, Neu-Ulm, Germany, March 11 (2025). ( pdf )
  13. L. A. Sterczewski, "Ultrabroadband field-resolved THz spectroscopy: search for new organic materials for nonlinear frequency conversion" (invited seminar)", Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, January 13 (2025). ( pdf )
  14. L. A. Sterczewski, "Mid-infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy with chip-scale thermal and frequency comb emitters (invited)", 2025 Annual Meeting of the Physical Society of Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, January 14-16, 2025. Also presented as an invited seminar at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Seminar, Xinzhu, Taiwan, January 10 (2025). ( pdf )
  15. L. A. Sterczewski, et al., "Broadband high-dynamic-range THz spectroscopy with organic nonlinear crystals (invited)", International Conference on Electronics, Photonics and Terahertz Technology (Optica InCEPTT 2024), New Delhi, India, December 1-4 (2024). ( pdf )
  16. L. A. Sterczewski, "Broadband THz spectroscopy: from oscillator diagnostics to discovery of nonlinear crystals (invited)", Advanced Fiber Lasers (AFL 2024), Changsha, China, November 8-11 (2024), [Young Scientist Award], also presented at Tianjin University, Tianjin, China on November 12 as an invited seminar. ( pdf )
  17. L. A. Sterczewski, "Ultra-broadband terahertz spectroscopy with organic nonlinear crystals", Candela Open Lectures: Exploring the Terahertz Fundamental Principles & Frontiers (online), October 23, 2025. ( video )
  18. L. A. Sterczewski, "Chip-based frequency combs for spectroscopic sensing at long wavelengths", 17th International Conference on Optical and Electronic Sensors COE 2024, Wroclaw, Poland, June 24-26 (2024). [Best presentation award]. ( pdf )
  19. L. A. Sterczewski, et al., "Multi-Octave THz Generation and Detection at MHz Repetition Rates using the Organic Nonlinear Crystal PNPA", Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2024), Charlotte, NC, USA, May 5-10 (2024). ( pdf )
  20. L. A. Sterczewski, and M. Bagheri, "Beyond the Linear Sweep of Frequency-Modulated Combs – Multi-Pulse Generation in Single-Section Diode Lasers ", Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2024), Charlotte, NC, USA, May 5-10 (2024). ( pdf )
  21. L. A. Sterczewski, and H. Tian, "Phase Noise in Free-running Dual-comb Spectroscopy" (invited)", Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2024), Charlotte, NC, USA, May 5-10 (2024). ( pdf )
  22. L. A. Sterczewski, "Organic nonlinear crystals for long-wave infrared and terahertz spectroscopy pumped at telecommunication wavelengths (invited)", SPIE Photonics Europe, Strasburg, France, April 9 (2024). ( pdf )
  23. L. A. Sterczewski, "Room-temperature long-wave infrared and terahertz spectroscopy using organic nonlinear crystals pumped at telecommunication wavelengths", Institute of Physics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland, April 4 (2024). ( pdf )
  24. L. A. Sterczewski, "Long-wave infrared and terahertz spectroscopy based on organic nonlinear crystals pumped at telecommunication wavelengths", Institute of Advanced Materials Seminar, Wroclaw, Poland, March 27 (2024). ( pdf )
  25. L. A. Sterczewski, "Battery-operated mid-infrared frequency combs", Closing Conference of the National Laboratory for Photonics and Quantum Technologies (NLPQT) Project, Warsaw, Poland, October 19–20 (2023). ( pdf )
  26. L. A. Sterczewski, "THz radiation – generation, detection, and applications" (invited tutorial), National Laboratory for Photonics and Quantum Technologies (NLPQT) Workshop, Wroclaw, Poland, September 25 (2023). ( pdf )
  27. L. A. Sterczewski, and M. Bagheri, "Broadband high-resolution Fourier spectrometry with chip-scale combs (invited)", IEEE RAPID (Research and Applications of Photonics in Defense) 2023, Miramar Beach, FL, USA, September 11-13 (2023). [Supported by a travel grant by DoD] ( pdf )
  28. L. A. Sterczewski, "Spektroskopia laserowa wykorzystująca półprzewodnikowe grzebienie częstotliwości optycznej (invited) [in Polish]", 48 Zjazd Fizykow Polskich, Gdansk, Poland, September 1-7 (2023). ( pdf )
  29. L. A. Sterczewski, J. Mnich, and J. Sotor, "Multi-Octave THz Wave Generation in PNPA crystal at MHz Repetition Rates", 16th International Conference on Mid-Infrared Optoelectronics: Materials and Devices (MIOMD 2023), Norman, Oklahoma, USA, August 6-10 (2023). ( pdf )
  30. L. A. Sterczewski, and M. Bagheri, "MHz-Resolution Fourier Transform Spectroscopy with Millimeter-Scale Optical Path Differences", Optica Sensing Congress (2023), Munich, Germany, July 30–August 3 (2023). ( pdf )
  31. L. A. Sterczewski, "Terahercowe grzebienie czestotliwosci optycznych" [in Polish], Polish Optical Conference (PKO), Torun, Poland, July 4 (2023).
  32. L. A. Sterczewski, "Sub-nominal resolution Fourier transform spectrometry with chip-based frequency combs (invited)", Chemical Physics Seminar, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA, May 17 (2023).
  33. L. A. Sterczewski, and M. Bagheri, "Breaking the Delay-Resolution Limit of Fourier Transform Spectrometers Using Chip-Scale Combs", Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2023), San Jose, CA, USA, May 7–12 (2023). ( pdf )
  34. L. A. Sterczewski, and J. Sotor, "Wavelength-Agile Dual-Comb Diagnostics of Pulsed Lasers", Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2023), San Jose, CA, USA, May 7–12 (2023). ( pdf )
  35. L. A. Sterczewski, "Two-photon imaging of soliton dynamics (invited)", Optics seminar, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Poland, April 12 (2023).
  36. L. A. Sterczewski, "Frequency comb spectroscopy – making it compact and power efficient (invited)", Seminar of the Institute of Solid State Electronics, TU Wien, Austria, December 16 (2022).
  37. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Modal leakage in interband cascade lasers diagnosed using far-field optical profilometry", 9th Workshop on Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Lasers, Krakow, Poland, October 2-6 (2022). ( pdf )
  38. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Korelacja wzajemna intensywności jako nowa metoda diagnostyki laserów impulsowych" (in Polish), XIII Sympozjum Techniki Laserowej STL 2022, Karpacz, Poland, September 19–23 (2022). ( pdf )
  39. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Szerokopasmowa spektroskopia strat we wnęce optycznej z efektem Verniera wykorzystująca międzypasmowe lasery kaskadowe" (in Polish), XIII Sympozjum Techniki Laserowej STL 2022, Karpacz, Poland, September 19–23 (2022). ( pdf )
  40. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Chip-Based Mid-Infrared Vernier Spectroscopy (invited)", 2022 Optical Sensors and Sensing Congress, Vancouver, Canada, July 11–14 (2022).
  41. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Frequency modulated comb generation in quantum well laser diodes", 5th International Workshop on Opportunities and Challenges in Mid-infrared Laser-Based Gas Sensing (Mir5ens), Wroclaw, Poland, July 4–6 (2022). ( pdf )
  42. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Chip-scale mid-infrared spectroscopy using electrically-pumped frequency comb sources (invited)", 11th Advanced Lasers and Photon Sources Conference (ALPS2022), Yokohama, Japan, April 18–21 (2022). ( pdf )
  43. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Dual-comb generation in a single laser cavity for sensing applications", Integrated Optics - Sensors, Sensing Structures and Methods (IOS'2022), Szczyrk, Poland, February 28 – March 4 (2022). ( pdf )
  44. L. A. Sterczewski, "Searching for life in space (invited popular science talk in Polish)", Gdynia Explory Week, Warsaw, Poland, October 20 (2021).
  45. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Lateral far-field characteristics of interband cascade laser frequency combs", 27th International Semiconductor Laser Conference (ISLC), Potsdam, Germany, October 10–14 (2021). ( pdf )
  46. L. A. Sterczewski, "Frequency comb spectroscopy – making it compact and power efficient (invited)", 2021 OSA Imaging & Sensing Congresses (online), July 19–23 (2021).
  47. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Mode-resolved Cavity-enhanced Vernier Spectroscopy Using an Interband Cascade Laser Frequency Comb", Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2021), San Jose, CA, USA, May 9–14 (2021). ( pdf )
  48. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Waveguiding and dispersion properties of interband cascade laser frequency combs", SPIE Photonics West (OPTO) 2021, San Francisco, CA (online), March 6–11 (2021). ( pdf ) ( video )
  49. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Chip-scale electrically-pumped optical frequency combs (invited)", Center for Quantum Research and Technology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (online), February 23 (2021). ( pdf )
  50. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Chip-scale electrically-pumped optical frequency combs (invited)", Polish Astrobiology Society (online), November 5 (2020).
  51. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Dual-Comb Spectroscopy in the 2 µm Region Using Quantum Well Diode Lasers", 14th Pacific Rim Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO PR 2020), Sydney, Australia (online), August 3–5 (2020). ( pdf )
  52. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Quantum well laser diode frequency comb in the 2 μm region", Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2020), San Jose, CA, USA, May 11–15 (2020). ( pdf )
  53. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Interband cascade laser frequency combs for spectroscopic sensing", SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Digital Forum, USA | 27 April – 1 May 2020. ( video )
  54. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Interband Cascade Laser Frequency Combs" (invited), 6th International WORKshop on Infrared Technologies, Princeton, NJ, USA, October 29–30 (2019). ( pdf )
  55. L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Injection locking of interband cascade laser frequency combs," Infrared Terahertz Quantum Workshop, Ojai, CA, USA, September 15–20 (2019). ( pdf )
  56. L. A. Sterczewski, A. Przewloka, W. Kaszub, and J. Sotor, "High-resolution dual-comb spectroscopy with a free-running all-fiber laser," Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2019), San Jose, CA, USA, May 6–10 (2019). ( pdf )
  57. L. A. Sterczewski, J. Westberg et al., "Dual-comb spectroscopy with passively mode-locked interband cascade laser frequency combs," Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2018), San Jose, CA, USA, May 13–18 (2018). ( pdf )
  58. J. Westberg, L. A. Sterczewski et al., "Terahertz dual-comb spectroscopy using quantum cascade laser frequency combs," Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO 2018), San Jose, CA, USA, May 13–18 (2018). ( pdf )
  59. L. A. Sterczewski, J. Westberg et al., "Terahertz multiheterodyne spectroscopy with quantum cascade lasers – a feasibility study," 42nd International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz), Cancun, Mexico, August 27 – September 1 (2017). ( pdf )
  60. L. A. Sterczewski, "Resolving terahertz spectral mixtures using the blind source separation approach – a method to study the dehydration kinetics," 2nd International Conference and Expo on Separation Techniques, Valencia, Spain, September 26-28 (2016). (invited talk) ( pdf )
  61. J. Westberg, L. A. Sterczewski, and G. Wysocki, "Mid-infrared quantum cascade laser-based multi heterodyne spectroscopy of small and large molecules in gas-phase," in FLAIR 2016 - Field Laser Applications in Industry and Research, 5th Edition of International Conference, Aix-les-Bains, France, September 12–16 (2016). ( pdf )
  62. L. A. Sterczewski, J. Westberg, and G. Wysocki, "Self-heterodyne Characterization of a Fabry-Pérot Quantum Cascade Laser for Multi-heterodyne Spectroscopic Sensing," Mid-Infrared Coherence Sources (OSA MICS), Long Beach, CA, USA, March 20–22 (2016). ( pdf )
  63. L. A. Sterczewski, and M.P. Grzelczak, "Terahertz lollipops," 10th Anniversary International SPIE Student Chapter Meeting - OPTO2015 Conference, Wroclaw, Poland, May 27–30 (2015). (3rd place in best speech contest)
  64. L. A. Sterczewski and M. P. Grzelczak, "Bayesian separation algorithm of THz spectral sources applied to D-glucose monohydrate dehydration kinetics," 8th THz Days, Arêches-Beaufort, France, March 31-April 2 (2015). ( pdf )
  65. L. A. Sterczewski, "Advanced SCADA system applied to terahertz time-domain spectrometer," in 12th Students’ Science Conference, Bogoszow-Gorce, Poland, September 18–21 (2014). (Distinction award) ( pdf )

 Awards

  • Bonus on the Horizon 2 - CEMoS-OFC – "Computationally enhanced molecular sensing using optical frequency combs (CEMoS-OFC)", Duration: 2 years, Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MEiN), Republic of Poland, within the Bonus on the Horizon 2 program (additional funds to extend the topical coverage of the EU Horizon research grant, 2021.
  • Winner of the Secundus programme competition, Category: Automation, Electronics, and Electrical Engineering, Wroclaw, Poland, 2023, and 2020. ( www - 2023 ). ( www - 2020 ). Awardee in 2021, and 2022.
  • "Best Student Paper" presented at SPIE Photonics West - Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications IX, San Francisco, USA, 2016. ( photo )
  • "Best MSc Presentation" in the nationwide Jan Wojcik contest for the best diploma thesis in the field of photonics, organized by the Polish Foundation of Photonics and Optic Fibers, Warsaw, Poland, 2015. ( www )
  • 3rd place winner in the best speech contest: "Terahertz lollipops", International SPIE Student Chapter Meeting 2015 conference, 10th Anniversary, Wroclaw, 2015.
  • Distinction in the nationwide Professor Adam Smolinski contest for the best diploma thesis in the field of optoelectronics, organized by the Polish Optoelectronics Committee of the Association of Polish Electrical Engineers SEP, 2014.
  • 4th place in the TOP10 contest for 10 best graduates of the Wroclaw University of Technology, Electronics Department, 2014.
  • Distinctive research presented during the 12th Students' Science Conference, Poland, 2014.

 Scholarships

  • Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, "Computationally enhanced molecular sensing using optical frequency combs (CEMoS-OFC)", Duration: 2 years, December 2021. Funded by the European Union (Horizon 2020). ( EC website )
  • Scholarship of the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education for outstanding young scientists, Duration: 3 years, December 2020.
  • Fellowship: NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, October 2018. Duration: 2 years.
  • Scholarship of the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) for young scientists within the START program, May 2018. ( awardees ) ( info ) ( info2 ) ( university )
  • Scholarship of the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education for PhD students with Outstanding Achievements, December 2017. ( awardees ) ( university ) ( ceremony )
  • Fellowship: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program for research on interband cascade laser frequency combs, Pasadena CA, USA, June-August 2017. ( photo )
  • The Kosciuszko Foundation Grant for the academic year 2017/18 for research in the United States on the use of dual-comb spectroscopy in pharmaceutical applications, May 2017.
  • Scholarship for best PhD students financed by the funds of Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, March and November 2016; November 2017.

 Projects

Please find the list of my academic and hobby projects below. (under construction)

Academic:

Pulsed THz spectroscopy

Pharmaceuticals

Quantum cascade laser based spectroscopy

High voltage discharge

Terahertz pulsed imaging

Chemometric analysis

Hobby:

Tesla coil shows

Control engineering

Power electronics

Electronic design

Homemade lasers

High voltage experiments

 Media outreach

Video / audio interviews

  • "W polskiej nauce brakuje misji | Łukasz Sterczewski | TPCN S01E03", Candela Foundation, Youtube, Date: 2026-01-28. ( In Polish )
  • "Fale terahercowe – technologia wkracza w kolejny zakres spektrum | dr inż. Łukasz Sterczewski", Radio Naukowe, Youtube, Date: 2025. ( In Polish )
  • Radio Wroclaw interview by Leszek Mordarski on September 21, 2023. Topic: research career, path to success, ERC grant.
  • "Urządzenia terahercowe w kieszeni? Prestiżowy grant na miniaturyzację technologii", Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, Youtube, Date: 2023-09-05. ( In Polish )
  • "Do czego przydają się miniaturowe lasery w kosmosie?", Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, Youtube, Date: 2021-05-26. ( In Polish )
  • "Polscy naukowcy pracujący w NASA. „Wiekszosc z nas nie zamienilaby tego na nic innego”", Dzien Dobry TVN, TVN (Discovery) Poland, Date: 2020-03-14. ( In Polish )
  • "Lukasz Sterczewski's early interest in building things led him to his current work", Optical Society of America, OSA Stories, Date: 2018-08-21. ( Part 1 ) ( Part 2 ) ( Part 3 )

Journal interviews

  • "TeraERC: o motywacji do przygotowania grantu, trudnych początkach oraz inspiracji w dążeniu do realizacji marzeń naukowych.", HPK, Serwis RP, Date: 2023-12-09. ( Interview [in Polish] )
  • "NPP Alumni of 3 months, 1 year and 4 years share newsworthy knowledge", NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) Quarterly Newsletter Volume 5, Issue 2, pp. 4, Date: 2021-07-01. ( Interview ) ( Full )
  • "It’s close to the stars from WUST", Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, University News, Date: 2020-01-13. ( English ) ( Polish )
  • "Wroclawski naukowiec w Ameryce", Gazeta Polska Codziennie (2525), Date: 2020-01-08. ( Polish )

Research highlights

  • "Prestiżowe granty dla polskich inżynierów. Dostaną 3 mln euro na supernowoczesne badania" [in Polish], National Geographic, Date: 2023-09. ( Nat. Geo. )
  • "Prestigious ERC grant for our scientist" [in EN & PL], WUST, Date: 2023-09. ( WUST EN ) ( WUST PL )
  • "Naukowcy z PWr opracowali nową metodologię diagnostyki laserów impulsowych" [in Polish], Forum Akademickie, Date: 2023-06. ( Forum Akademickie )
  • "Publikacja o solitonach w „Nature Communications”. Jej autorami są naukowcy z W12" [in Polish], WUST, Date: 2023-06. ( WUST/PWr )
  • "Optical frequency combs operating at 2 μm wavelength are used for dual-comb spectroscopy", AIP Scilight, Date: 2020-07. ( AIP Scilight )
  • "An interband cascade platform permits on-chip mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy", AIP Scilight, Date: 2020-04. ( AIP Scilight )
  • "Terahertz Imaging System on a Chip Offers Speed and Portability", Photonics Spectra, Date: 2019-10. ( PhotonicsMedia )
  • "Closing the terahertz gap: Tiny laser is an important step toward new sensors", ScienceDaily, Date: 2019-07-24. ( ScienceDaily )
  • "Miniature Laser Crucial for Development of New Medical Sensors", AZoOptics, Date: 2019-07-25. ( AZoOptics )
  • "Innovative tiny laser has potential uses in drug quality control, medical diagnosis, airplane safety", Princeton University, Date: 2019-07-24 . ( Princeton Website )

Miscellaneous

  • Our Laser & Photonics Reviews paper is featured on the cover of the January 2023 issue ( Journal cover ). I designed the cover and rendered it in Blender.
  • Our ACS Photonics paper is featured on the cover of the March 2022 issue ( Journal cover ). I designed the cover and rendered it in Blender.
  • Our Laser & Photonics Reviews paper is featured on the cover of the August 2021 issue ( Journal cover ). I envisioned the cover design.
  • The university features my research on their Instagram: ( Instagram )
  • Our THz hyperspectral imaging paper ( pdf ) is one of the top-downloaded articles from Optica ( Top-downloaded paper )
  • The CLEO conference has been using a photo from my 2018 talk "Terahertz dual-comb spectroscopy using quantum cascade laser frequency combs" on the abstract submission page since 11/2018. ( www ) ( photo )
  • The July 2020 issue cover of APL Photonics features our research on 2 μm combs: ( Journal cover )

 About Me

Passion Passion for electricity has been always present in my life, starting as a preschooler I was already experimenting with toy electric motors. My teenage time was dominated by the construction of high voltage Tesla coils, which finally led me to build a home-made nitrogen laser and the beginning of my adventure in optics. The latter I consider a turning point in my life, from electronics to optics. In 2015 I joined a PhD program on spectroscopy, which has defined my research career until today.

My scientific journey has led me to some of the most famous research institutions like Princeton University, California Institute of Technology, or NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where cumulatively I spent almost 5 years. It was the time of significant influence from top minds, which allowed me to get the inspiration that drives my research today. A primary focus of my research at the time were chip-scale optical frequency combs in the mid-infrared range, which promise the detection of complex organic molecules in power-constrained environments. Together with other colleagues, I have discovered several new comb platforms operating in the difficult mid-infrared range, including the interband cascade laser (2018) and diode laser (2023).

Since 2023, I have become a group leader in Poland as a winner of the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. That year marked a significant change in my career from a post-doc to an assistant and recently associate professor. My role is now to inspire, tutor and share experience with the younger generation. I actively search for new collaboration and funding opportunities to provide optimal conditions for growth of my master’s and PhD students as well as post-docs.

I am an active member of the scientific community with more than 110 reviews for major scientific journals and tens of grant proposals. I highly value active involvement in conferences: I have given a dozen of invited talks at major international meetings and served on numerous program and scientific committees (i.e. Optica Sensing).

My personal motto is “Per aspera ad astra”. There are no shortcuts. Hard work pays in the long run.

 Contact

Please feel free to contact me: