Piotr Wcisło, Professor
Principal Investigator
Room: A.2.24
Phone: +48 56 611 3282
E-mail: piotr.wcislo@umk.pl

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Karolina Kitkowska, MSc
Lab Manager
Room: B.0.22
Phone: +48 56 611 2476
E-mail: karolina.kitkowska@umk.pl

I have been entrusted with the project’s administrative aspects, including team member employment, the organization of domestic and foreign trips, and all matters related to the arrival of future employees and guests.



Kamil Leon Sołtys, MEng
Chief Engineer / Graduate Student
Room: A.2.23
Phone: +48 56 611 3285
E-mail: kamil.leon.soltys@umk.pl

I specialize in designing vacuum research systems for molecular hydrogen spectroscopy under cryogenic temperature conditions. Within our team, I focus on developing CAD projects for components such as cryostats, vacuum chambers, valves, actuators, vacuum elements, and numerous other innovative solutions. I also coordinate project workflows and lead the development of experimental setups from initial concepts and requirements through prototyping, integration, commissioning, and delivery of fully functional research systems.



Michał Słowiński, PhD MEng
Research Associate / Lab Manager
Room: A.2.23
Phone: +48 56 611 3285
E-mail: mslowinski@umk.pl

I’m involved in a variety of scientific tasks being carried out by our team. My main focus is developing numerical codes for simualting physically-justified line-shape models and calculating the line shapes from first principles based on quantum scattering calculations run by other team members. I’m also responsible for data analysis of every measurements made in our laboratory so far. In addition to that, I’m deeply involved in designing experimental setups in both mechanical and optical aspects.



Tomasz Cisek, MEng
Technician
Room: n/a
Phone: +48 56 611 2474
E-mail: tomasz.cisek@umk.pl

I specialize in CNC machine programming, CAD design, and the precision manufacturing and assembly of mechanical systems. I develop components for complex structures such as vacuum chambers, cryostats, valves, actuators, and other high-precision mechanical elements. By integrating advanced CAD design with modern CNC technologies, I contribute to the creation of innovative solutions in the field of mechanical engineering.



Hubert Jóźwiak, PhD
Research Associate
Room: A.2.10
Phone: n/a
E-mail: hubert.jozwiak@umk.pl

My research focuses on two key areas. First, I study the structure and interactions of simple molecules, including hyperfine couplings and interactions with external fields, in the context of accurate spectroscopy for fundamental studies. Second, I investigate the interplay between collisions and spectroscopy through rigorous quantum scattering calculations to deepen our understanding of collisional effects in molecular spectra. To this end, I develop efficient computational tools that produce accurate reference data, including rate coefficients and collisional line-shape parameters, for astrophysical and atmospheric applications.



Mateusz Narożnik, PhD BEng
Research Associate
Room: A.0.22
Phone: n/a
E-mail: naroznik@umk.pl

My work focuses on the design, simulation, and experimental aspects of CRDS and the cavity for the H2 dipole trap. Beyond these, my research interests include ultra-stable lasers, their fundamental limitations, and their applications in fundamental physics and metrology.



Leonid Shirkov, PhD
Research Associate
Room: A.2.10
Phone: n/a
E-mail: leonid.shirkov@umk.pl

My main research interest lies in the theoretical study of intermolecular interactions. This work involves the construction of analytical intermolecular potential energy surfaces based on highly accurate electronic structure calculations and their application to the investigation of quantum dynamics, including rovibrational spectroscopy and collisional processes in molecular complexes. More recently, my research interests have expanded to include the study of potential energy surfaces and the dynamics of electronically excited states of molecules and molecular complexes.



Marcin Stachowiak, PhD
Research Associate
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: n/a



Nikodem Stolarczyk, PhD
Research Associate
Room: A.3.03
Phone: n/a
E-mail: nikodemstolarczyk@umk.pl

I specialize in the theoretical foundations of molecular optical resonances, developing models and calculating line profiles from first principles. My work combines numerical methods, data analysis, and theoretical approaches to enhance laboratory data modeling and interpretation. What excites me most is integrating experimental and theoretical results to derive meaningful physical conclusions. Beyond theoretical research, I have extensive experience in developing optical setups, preparing and performing laboratory measurements. I also enhance the accessibility of our scientific output by integrating our group’s calculated and measured data into major spectroscopic databases. I contribute to the development of database structures and develop refinements to improve their organization and usability.




Michał Żółtowski, PhD
Research Associate
Room: A.0.27
Phone: n/a
E-mail: mzoltowski@umk.pl

I specialize in quantum scattering studies, focusing on two key areas: astrochemistry and molecular spectroscopy. In astrochemistry, I calculate collisional rate coefficients to aid in the interpretation of astrophysical observations. In molecular spectroscopy, I use ab initio quantum scattering methods to determine spectroscopic parameters essential for accurate molecular spectrum modeling. The complexity of these calculations requires substantial computational resources, including memory and CPU time on supercomputers, which require optimization strategies to ensure feasibility and efficiency. My goal is to provide highly precise collisional data to advance these fields.



Emha Riyadhul Jinan Alhadi, MSc BEng
Graduate Student
Room: A.2.23
Phone: +48 56 611 3285
E-mail: emha.alhadi@doktorant.umk.pl

My focus research is developing an experimental setup that harnesses molecular beam spectroscopy to explore quantum electrodynamic corrections. For example, developing hydrogen molecular source, beam geometry alignment, UV ionizing laser, ion detection system, spectroscopy laser, ultra-accurate measurements of molecular rovibrational line, theoretical simulations or estimations, and experimental data analysis.



Bogdan Bednarski, MEng
Graduate Student
Room: A.0.22
Phone: n/a
E-mail: bogdan.bednarski@doktorant.umk.pl

I specialize in the development of optical, electronic, and control systems for high-precision molecular spectroscopy, with applications in fundamental science and metrology. My work lies at the intersection of physics, mathematics, and engineering: a triple point I’m unwilling to exit. With a background in applied mathematics, control theory in particular, I integrate advanced control techniques and develop tools to advance precision spectroscopy.



Kamil Stankiewicz, MSc
Graduate Student
Room: A.0.20
Phone: n/a
E-mail: kamilstankiewicz@doktorant.umk.pl

I specialize in the design, development, and application of laser, optical, and electro-optical systems for ultra-precise molecular spectroscopy, with a particular focus on cavity-enhanced techniques. Currently, the systems I work on are used, among other applications, for ultra-precise spectroscopy of cryogenic hydrogen molecules for fundamental physics research, the realization of SI standards, molecular collision studies, trapping of weakly interacting neutral molecules, and the detection of sparse molecular distributions via REMPI ionization. The laser sources I utilize span from the mid-infrared (MIR) to the ultraviolet (UV), covering continuous-wave (CW) to femtosecond regimes. They include diode lasers, dye lasers, optical frequency combs, optical parametric oscillators, and frequency-mixing systems.



Maciej Gancewski, MSc
Graduate Student
Room: A.2.10
Phone: n/a
E-mail: ganc@doktorant.umk.pl

I’m a theoretical physicist working in the broad field of atomic, molecular and optical physics. I study the effects of quantum scattering and spin-dependent interactions on the fine-structure resolved electronic and rotational spectra of atmospheric oxygen, and I simulate the dynamics of optical trap loading with effusive molecular hydrogen beams.



Marcin Makowski, MEng
Graduate Student
Room: A.2.23
Phone: +48 56 611 3285
E-mail: mmakowski@fizyka.umk.pl

Within our research group I specialize in conducting cryogenic spectroscopy of molecular hydrogen. My work focuses on experimental physics, including the design and development of measurement systems. Additionally, I am involved in constructing and performing simulations of electrostatic systems used for detecting H2+ ions generated through the 2+1 REMPI (Resonance-Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization) process. My scientific interests revolve around fundamental physics, high-resolution laser spectroscopy, particularly saturation spectroscopy, and electronics, with a strong emphasis on instrumentation and signal processing.



Paweł Olejarczyk, MEng
Graduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: olepaw1990@umk.pl

I am involved in the construction of an optical system with high-power lasers, designed to precisely couple the laser beam into an ultra-high finesse cavity. My work includes assembling, aligning, and fine-tuning optical and electronic components to ensure the system’s stability and high performance. A key aspect is the ultra-stable stabilization of cavity modes, which requires precise control and the application of advanced optical techniques. My efforts contribute to high-precision optical metrology and experiments that demand the highest level of laser stabilization quality.



Artur Olejnik, MSc
Graduate Student
Room: A.0.27
Phone: n/a
E-mail: 308023@stud.umk.pl

In my research, I focus on two main aspects. First, I investigate the influence of collisional effects on molecular spectra. For this purpose, I perform advanced quantum-scattering calculations and determine collisional line-shape parameters, which are significant for astrophysical and atmospheric applications. Second, I study the structure of simple bound and quasi-bound systems, including hyperfine couplings, to provide reference points for accurate spectroscopic experiments essential for fundamental studies.



Jakub Behrendt
Undergraduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: 312881@stud.umk.pl

I am a student at NCU doing my master’s degree in physics. Currently I am working on quantum mechanical scattering calculations and determination of collisional line-shape parameters for the HF molecule perturbed by the N2 molecule. I have also contributed to the 2024 HITRAN data update for the H2 and HD molecules, most notably, by calculating the spectral line intensities of magnetic dipole lines for HD.



Klaudia Chętnik
Undergraduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: k.chetnik@stud.umk.pl

I’m an undergraduate student at NCU with a strong interest in optics. I am currently working on the development of an optical cavity. My work focuses on optical alignment, mode matching, and the observation of cavity modes, with plans to extend towards more advanced cavity characterization in the future.



Dariusz Kierski
Undergraduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: kierski@stud.umk.pl

I’m an undergraduate at NCU studying Technical Physics. In my work I focus on development and maintenance of a high precision CRDS spectrometer. I help carry out measurements and am the person who does preliminary data analysis for troubleshooting. Apart from this, I develop experiment control software and was tasked with designing high vacuum systems in the past. My interests lie in utilizing different spectroscopy techniques to study the speed dependent properties of molecular line shapes as well as performing metrology at the state of the art level.



Mateusz Milczarek
Undergraduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: 322736@stud.umk.pl

I’m an undergraduate student at NCU. My current work focuses on the development and testing of an experimental setup for ultra-precise molecular spectroscopy, mainly focusing on its optical, electro-optical and laser components.



Maksim Rachko
Undergraduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: n/a



Łukasz Veith
Undergraduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: lukaszveith@stud.umk.pl

I’m an undergraduate technical physics student at NCU. My work revolves around electronics, programming, and automatisation of various measurement setups used in the lab.



Feliks Więckowski
Undergraduate Student
Room: n/a
Phone: n/a
E-mail: 322064@stud.umk.pl

I am an undergraduate astronomy student at NCU. I currently work on quantum mechanical scattering of molecular hydrogen.

Alumni



Matej Veis, PhD
Research Associate
E-mail: n/a

primary project: Optical Setup / Frequency comb (experiment: cryogenic hydrogen spectroscopy)
minor project: close-coupling calculations of generalized spectroscopic cross-sections ( H-D perturbed by He )



Beata Zjawin, PhD
Student
E-mail: beata.zjawin@ug.edu.pl

Until 2019, I worked with Prof. Wcisło on dark matter detection using optical atomic clocks and on the design of an optical cavity sensitive to potential variations in the fine-structure constant. My research has since shifted towards quantum foundations, where I focus on topics such as causality, contextuality and resource theories.