The workshop ”Coherent nonlinear optics of artificial media” took place at the University of Lisbon between the 14th and 16th of December of 2006. I was invited to give a twenty five minute presentation with five minutes for questions and discussion. I presented the experimental as well as analytical results of my recent research on the statistics of rare events in fiber optical communication systems. This was a great opportunity to present my results directly to some of the greatest experts in the field.

The topics covered at the conference ranged from surface solitons in discrete media, gap solitons in periodic media and properties of medium with negative index of refraction to extremely short pulse propagation, nonlinearity management in fiber optical communication systems, and statistical analysis of communication system performance. This workshop has attracted many experts from the above areas. I had an opportunity to learn of some of the hot research topics which are relevant to my field of interests. As a result of this workshop I have established some new contacts as well as collaborators to work on problems of long haul data transmission with optical regeneration.

Overall, I had a very positive experience attending this workshop. I took this opportunity to present the results of my work, establish important connections with some of the leading scientists in my area of study, and get new ideas for further work. Most importantly this workshop gave me a chance for exposure to the community I plan to join. I am grateful to the GIDP program for presenting me with the Herbert E Carter Travel Award and making my attendance of this workshop possible.