Plasma and Laser Applied Research Group (PLASAR) conducts experimental and theoretical research in the fields of plasma technologies, laser microstructuring, and light structuring.
Research Areas and Techniques
Plasma Technologies
Research includes the study of laser, atmospheric, and low-pressure plasmas and their applications in the synthesis of nanoparticles, thin films, and the treatment of liquids and materials. Thin films for photocatalytic, photovoltaic, and sensing applications are synthesized using pulsed laser deposition.
A particular focus is placed on the synthesis of colloidal nanoparticle solutions (metallic, binary, metal oxides) for applications in textiles (enhanced UV protection and antibacterial properties), photocatalysis of organic dyes and other water pollutants, and food packaging (improved antimicrobial properties). Theoretical models based on Mie theory and the Beer–Lambert law are developed to determine nanoparticle parameters in colloids.
The group also investigates the use of atmospheric plasma jets (APPJ) for the treatment and activation of water (plasma-activated water) with applications in plasma agriculture (treatment of seeds, plants, and food).
Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is being developed for the detection of Li, D, and Be in gaseous form within the Eurofusion project, with planned application in the DONES fusion reactor. Additional diagnostic techniques include laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES).
Laser Microstructuring
Research focuses on the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with materials. Femtosecond laser pulses enable precise inscription of structures into materials to achieve new functionalities. Studies include material texturing in dentistry, fabrication of flexible electrodes on thin films, laser welding and cutting of glass, and the inscription of holograms beneath the surface of transparent materials.
Light Structuring
This area encompasses holography and coherent optics, with the aim of developing methods of digital holographic microscopy for real-time observation of samples and their dynamics.
Group members:
dr. sc. Nikša Krstulović, group leader, senior scientist
dr. sc. Hrvoje Skenderović, permanent senior scientist
dr. sc. Mario Rakić, research associate
dr. sc. Julio Car, postdoc
dr. sc. Karolina Pietrzak, postdoc
dr. sc. Ali Mardan Dezfouli, postdoc
Rafaela Radičić, PhD student
dr. sc. Slobodan Milošević, emeritus