SOlid State lasers
The Solid-State Lasers group at the Department of Laser Physics and Photonics is focused on research and development of special lasers generating light in the visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared regions. Specifically, the group concentrates on the spectroscopy of new laser-active materials, the generation of short and ultrashort pulses, and the characterisation of laser radiation at the level of the latest advances in laser technology and electronics.
The group also develops unique electronic systems for lasers, precision time measurement methods, and laser radar systems for distance measurement. It is further engaged in applications of laser radiation in medicine, sensor technology, and in the transmission of high-power laser radiation through special optical fibres.
The group collaborates on projects carried out at ELI Beamlines (Extreme Light Infrastructure), HiLASE (High Average Power Pulsed Lasers project), and Crytur Turnov, and also works with numerous foreign laboratories.
Computational physics
The Computer Physics group at the Department of Laser Physics and Photonics models physical processes and develops numerical methods for solving partial differential equations. The developed numerical methods are applied primarily in fluid simulations of the interaction between laser radiation and matter. Using particle simulations, the group studies the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with various types of targets, as well as the transport of the resulting radiation and energetic particles.
The group also operates a small computational cluster and relies on Metacentrum and IT4Innovations resources for larger-scale parallel computations. Numerical simulations are closely integrated with experiments, serving both their design and the interpretation of results.
Group members collaborate with laboratories at ELI Beamlines, HiLASE, and PALS (Prague Asterix Laser System), as well as with foreign facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory (USA), CELIA (Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, Univ. Bordeaux, France), and Utsunomiya University (Japan). The group also manages the femtosecond laser laboratory at the Department of Laser Physics and Photonics.
x-ray photonics
The X-ray Photonics group at the Department of Laser Physics and Photonics studies the generation and interaction of electromagnetic radiation in the photon energy range from 50 eV to 420 keV. Special attention is given to the 90–120 eV range (applications in EUV lithography), the 200–2000 eV range (satellite telescopes for astrophysics and microscopy in the so-called water window), and the 5–400 keV range (X-ray radiography and tomography).
The group employs sources based on electron beams, a plasma capillary source developed at the department, and plasma sources using the interaction of femtosecond lasers with solid or gaseous targets. Other research subjects include various X-ray optical systems and methods for imaging absorption, phase, and scattered radiation in the ultraviolet and X-ray ranges, for microscopy and diagnostics of high-temperature plasma.
nanophotonics and quantum technologies
The Nanophotonics and Quantum Technologies group at the Department of Laser Physics and Photonics focuses on the study of photonic nanostructures, such as photonic crystals, metamaterials, plasmonic structures and special substrates, periodic and quasiperiodic photonic systems, and nanoparticle systems. More recently, the group has also studied non-Hermitian, non-reciprocal, and topological photonic -structures.
In the experimental domain, the group has long focused on techniques for the fabrication and characterisation of photonic nanostructures. Selected quantum technologies have recently become a research focus, particularly within optical, photonic, and plasmonic platforms, including the generation, detection, and application of correlated and quantum-entangled photons, in collaboration primarily with the Department of Solid State Engineering and the Department of Physics.
Advnaced space technology group
The Advanced Space Research Technology group at the Department of Laser Physics and Photonics develops measurement techniques for laser pulse detection and ultra-precise time measurement, and their applications in space research. The group also focuses on the development and testing of methods for processing measured signals and separating useful signals from noise.The main development items include unique single-photon detectors, fast electro-optical switches, and precision time meters. All developed equipment enables extremely accurate measurements, with precision on the order of fractions of a picosecond. Results obtained in collaboration with a number of space agencies are applied in laser satellite rangefinders, in the optical detection of space debris, and in the laser-based synchronisation of time scales.
Implant development (InGRID)
The InGRID group develops absorbable implants, primarily from magnesium and zinc alloys. It employs artificial intelligence methods, microstructure control, and advanced characterisation techniques. Prototypes are tested both in vitro and in vivo. The research connects material microstructure with its degradation in the body and is aimed at optimising implant properties and geometry. The group’s development work also includes titanium implants, including 3D printing, biodegradable polymers, functional coatings with controlled drug release, and mathematical modelling of corrosion processes.
Contact: Ing. Karel Tesař, Ph.D.
Micromechanical Characterisation of Materials
The Micromechanical Characterisation of Materials group studies material properties at the microscale. It focuses on the development and application of specialized methods and miniature samples, either due to limited material availability or for testing directly under operational conditions. Applied methods include, for example, nanoindentation, scratch testing, small punch testing, ABIT, mini 3PB and 4PB, resonance fatigue testing on mini specimens, determination of displacement and deformation fields using DIC, in-situ testing in an electron microscope, and others.
Quantum dynamics, Optics and informatics (Q3)
The Quantum Dynamics, Optics and Informatics group focuses on research in quantum dynamics, quantum information, and quantum optics. It studies the properties of quantum walks and their applications for simulating coherent excitation transport. The group investigates open dynamics—the evolution of physical systems under environmental interactions—and its effects on quantum systems. It also examines the evolution of quantum systems under the influence of measurements.
In the field of quantum information, the group focuses on search algorithms and the transfer of quantum states between network nodes. It also addresses the so-called boson sampling problem.
Fractografic analysis
The group’s research focuses on the fracture properties of construction materials, conducted in connection with physical metallurgy knowledge. The information obtained is an essential requirement for engineering-operational, and technological activities.
An integral part of this field is also the development of new methods for quantitative fractographic analysis. Additionally, the group investigates the causes of various failures and accidents. The information acquired provides a fundamental input both for identifying the causes of accidents and for studying the principles of failure in complex mechanical systems, as well as for estimating the service life of constructions.
Physical Metallurgy
The group focuses primarily on phase transformations in metals and alloys, the associated degradation processes, the effects of these transformations on the mechanical properties of materials, and their applications in heat treatment. An integral part of the research is the development of advanced materials, such as intermetallic alloys, high-entropy alloys, thin films, and plasma spray. Special emphasis is placed on advanced methods for studying materials, including electron microscopy, energy-dispersive analysis, and nanoindentation.
Computer mechanics
The Mathematical Modelling group applies the principles of continuum mechanics and the finite element method to simulate the failure of materials and structures. It also develops inverse analysis procedures to determine the mechanical properties of small material volumes and thin films. The research results are applied primarily in the aviation and energy industries for assessing the fatigue life of structures, and in nuclear energy for evaluating the extent of radiation damage in reactor materials.
Mathematical Physics
The group is dedicated to the applications of symmetries, for example in the study of integrable systems in classical and quantum mechanics, or in the numerical solution of equations of motion in the general theory of relativity. Attention is also devoted to possible generalisations of Einstein’s theory of gravitation and their consequences for cosmology. Related areas of differential geometry, topology, and algebra are also studied, in particular the structure of Lie groups and their applications, for example in constructing orthogonal polynomials or special functions, as well as geometric objects needed for the description of supergravity and string theory. The group also develops the spectral theory of Schrödinger operators, including its use in quantum mechanics, and applies modern methods of statistical physics to solid-state theory and economics.
Many of the group’s activities are carried out within the Doppler Institute for Mathematical Physics and Applied Mathematics
Plasma physics and thermonuclear fusion
The group operates its own tokamak GOLEM, and the PlasmaLab laboratory. It actively participates in research at the Czech tokamaks COMPASS and the future COMPASS-U, as well as at leading European facilities such as ASDEX Upgrade (Germany) and TCV (Switzerland), and has previously contributed at the world’s largest tokamak, JET (UK). Our students are also involved in developing systems for the international reactor ITER. Tokamak GOLEM serves not only for teaching, but also as a flexible platform for cutting-edge research – from diagnostics and plasma studies (runaway electrons, boundary layer, discharge stability) to the use of state-of-the-art technologies, including machine learning and superconducting materials. The results contribute to understanding transport processes and to the development of future fusion reactors.
Applied Mathematics and Stochastics (GAMS)
The Group of Applied Mathematics and Stochastics is engaged in the study of physical, biological, and social systems, employing methods from mathematical statistics, mathematical analysis, and probability theory. Its work primarily includes statistical data analysis, the formulation of theoretical transport models and the search for corresponding analytical solutions, the application of mathematical methods in defectoscopy, probabilistic estimates in small social systems, the study of so-called Φ-divergences, and the development of mathematical models for pedestrian movement, panic behaviour, and related phenomena.
Theoretical Informatics (TIGR)
The Theoretical Informatics Group addresses current topics in discrete mathematics with applications in informatics and physics, such as non-standard representations of real numbers, combinatorics on words, and aperiodic tilings of space. At present, the group’s main focus is on combinatorial, algebraic, and number-theoretic problems with applications in theoretical informatics.
Mathematical modelling (MMG)
The Mathematical Modelling Group engages in mathematical modelling and numerical simulations of complex phenomena in the natural and technical sciences, environmental protection, and informatics. The group is active in both research and development, as well as in the education of young experts in mathematical engineering. It successfully collaborates with prestigious universities, institutions, and industrial companies worldwide.
Methods of Algebra and functional analysis (MAFIA)
The MAFIA group of the Department of Mathematics conducts research in mathematical physics, mathematical biology, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and other fields where a rigorous mathematical approach is desirable for analysing current problems in the physical and technical sciences. Within the group, analytical and algebraic methods are preferred over numerical analysis, as the former provide a much deeper insight and understanding of the problems, although they very often lead “only” to qualitative or asymptotic results. Another motivation is the need for mathematical models derived from the fundamental principles of physical theories.
Current research interests include toy models of relativistic and non-relativistic quantum systems, chemical kinetics, pattern formation in biology, spectral geometry, the spectral theory of linear operators, and the representation theory of groups and algebras.
Tools for scientific calculations
Scientific calculations represent a shared area of interest for many experts at FNSPE, particularly from the Departments of Software Engineering and the Department of Mathematics. We focus on developing data structures and efficient algorithms in the fields of numerical mathematics, mathematical statistics, modelling, optimization, and artificial intelligence. We participate in both fundamental and applied research and provide training for young specialists in this area. For our research projects, we operate and manage high-performance computing systems, including the Helios and GPX clusters. We collaborate with leading universities, research institutions, and industrial partners worldwide.
Machine learning, neural networks and artificial intelligence
The development and implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms represent a key step toward the effective use of modern technologies in solving complex tasks. Special emphasis is placed on the application of deep learning methods, which enable advanced processing of large volumes of data and the discovery of hidden patterns. These approaches are widely applied, particularly in the field of image processing and analysis, where they provide tools for object recognition, automatic classification, and anomaly detection with a high degree of accuracy.
Development of Programming technologies and data management
The development of programming technologies and data management encompasses a wide range of technologies and methods that enable efficient work with information and the creation of modern software solutions. Knowledge of programming languages such as C++, C, Java, C#, Python, Julia, or MATLAB provides a flexible foundation for developing applications, from low-level systems to advanced scientific computations. Equally important is the use of web technologies and database systems, which support the implementation, management, and exploration of data structures. Server management and support for parallel and distributed computing play a key role in enabling effective processing of large data volumes. At the same time, algorithm optimization is applied to achieve higher performance and more efficient use of computing resources.
Application of software uses in commercial uses
Application of Software Solution for Commercial Uses focuses on the practical application of modern technologies and their direct use in industrial and business practice. A key area is the development of web applications and tools for data visualization, which facilitate understanding of complex information and its effective use. Emphasis is also placed on designing and implementing graphical user interfaces that ensure user-friendliness and intuitive operation. Our activities additionally include programming for equipment, robots, and single-chip computers, opening possibilities for process automation and the development of intelligent systems. Software support for 3D printing plays an important role, exemplified by our 3D printing laboratory in Děčín, which integrates research with practical applications in manufacturing and design.
methods for cultural heritage research
At FNSPE, non-destructive and non-invasive methods based on the interaction of X-rays with materials are developed for the study of tangible cultural heritage objects. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is used to measure elemental composition, both for point measurements and for surface scanning. The depth distribution of chemical elements can be determined using confocal XRF. XRF is particularly applied to the examination of metal objects, ceramics, and paintings. Elemental analysis can be effectively complemented by imaging the internal structures of objects using X-ray radiography.
Contact: prof. Ing. Tomáš Trojek, Ph.D.
radioactivity and the environment
The group focuses on monitoring the environment through sample collection, analysis of bioindicator samples to track radionuclide deposition, and in situ gamma spectrometry. It also contributes to the development of monitoring methods using airborne gamma spectrometry and to the study of natural radon radiation, with particular emphasis on measuring radon in water, radon inhalation by underground workers, earthquake forecasting based on radon occurrence, and mapping radon sources and their spread through buildings and workplaces.
Contact: Ing. Václav Štěpán, Ph.D.
Radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and radiodiagnostics
Experts at FNSPE focus on the strategy and optimization of medical procedures in the field of radiotherapy. Particular attention is given to the experimental verification of planned therapeutic doses in target volumes. In this context, specialized 3D gel dosimeters made of tissue-equivalent material are developed and optimized, allowing determination of the spatial distribution of doses with submillimeter accuracy. Experts also measure patient doses during radiation treatment using a 2D detector placed under the patient, followed by reconstruction of the 3D dose within the patient, enabling comparison between the intended therapy and the actual radiation delivered. In vivo dosimetry is of greatest interest in brachytherapy and in specialised radiation techniques where very high doses are applied, such as CyberKnife, stereotactic radiotherapy, and proton therapy.
Contact: Ing. Petra Trnková, Ph.D.
Computational methods and monte carlo modelling
The group focuses on the development of computational methods and software applications for simulating radiation transport in matter, particularly in the processing, analysis, and evaluation of spectra, spectrum deconvolution, and mathematical and statistical treatment. In the field of radiation transport simulation, emphasis is placed on model calculations for detection system responses, shielding, radiation protection, radioanalytical methods, nuclear safety, and medical applications. Widely used are general-purpose programs such as MCNP, Geant4, and Fluka, as well as specialized software including SCALE, SRIM, visualization tools, and applications for working with anthropomorphic phantoms for medical computations. Some in-house programming tools are also developed. The results of these calculations are applied in a variety of practical applications.
Contact: doc. Ing. Jaroslav Klusoň, CSc.