With more than 1100 employees, the Institute of Physics is the largest public research institution focused on basic and applied physics research in the Czech Republic. Since its foundation in 1954, we have been investigating the most challenging and fundamental problems of science and technology, and we also play an important role in the education of the next generation of scientists. We advance human knowledge and benefit society through research combined with education. Discoveries made at FZU not only deepen our understanding of the world, but also contribute to innovation and the international competitiveness of the Czech Republic's capabilities. FZU is an integral part of European and global physics research, in which our staff also participate through international and European programmes.
The existing research programme of the Institute of Physics includes elementary particle physics, condensed matter and solid state physics and plasma physics, optics and laser physics.
In the field of elementary particle research, we are gaining knowledge about the properties, structure and interactions of matter at the fundamental level through international collaborations with CERN, FERMILAB and the Pierre Auger Observatory. In astroparticle physics, we are also involved in the construction of the next generation of the most energetic photon observatory, the Cherenkov Telescope Array, and collaborating on experiments to detect gravitational waves in the LISA project. A dedicated team of theoretical physicists focuses on particle physics related to string theory and cosmology.
In condensed matter physics we carry out experimental and theoretical research on solid and liquid substances and their properties. We study crystalline and amorphous substances, nanomaterials, advanced metal alloys, semiconductors, magnetic, spintronic, multiferroic, piezoelectric materials, fluids, liquid crystals, shape memory alloys, polymers, thin films and nanostructures. The aim of this research is to gain a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the structure, chemical composition and properties of materials and to find ways to prepare materials with desired properties. In addition to this, we have also recently been trying to contribute to the development of new technical applications of these materials and technological solutions in various industries. The societal contribution of our interdisciplinary research is evident in medicine, electronics, engineering, transport and energy.
Our interdisciplinary research in optics explores the potential of functional optical structures and optical materials. We also develop advanced multidisciplinary research focused on biophysics, biophotonics, biosensors, nanofluidics and physical aspects of biological systems, including their molecular structures and processes. Research also includes the investigation of ultrathin artificial structures that exhibit unique optical, electronic and mechanical properties. We innovate plasma and laser optical technologies, develop tools for cell manipulation and create materials and surfaces with unique properties for industrial applications. The Joint Optics Laboratory focuses on scientific research in the areas of quantum and nonlinear optics, laser and optical technologies, nanotechnology of surfaces and layers, experimental particle and astroparticle physics, and wave and statistical optics.
We are pushing the boundaries of laser technology, in particular the development of diode-excited solid-state lasers with high average power for industrial and interdisciplinary applications. At the HiLASE Centre (www.hilase.cz), we actively strengthen cooperation with Czech and foreign companies through joint projects and contract research contracts focused on the development of advanced laser technologies and their applications.
We successfully operate the BIVOJ laser system, which produces nanosecond pulses with a power in the order of kilowatts. In our laboratories, we have developed the PERLA® compact laser platform with picosecond pulses for commercial use. We are improving the durability and resistance of materials, precision micromachining and surface functionalization of optical surfaces. We are engaged in research in the field of radiation and chemical physics, and we collaborate in the operation of the PALS laser centre in cooperation with the Institute of Plasma Physics.