Faculty of Physics

Sukurta: 21 May 2022

ff

Saulėtekio 9, LT-10222 Vilnius
Tel. 236 6001
E-mail:
http://www.ff.vu.lt
Dean – Prof. Dr Juozas Šulskus

 

 

STAFF

75 teachers (incl. 64 holding research degree), 174 research fellows (incl. 141 holding research degree), 52 doctoral students.

DEPARTMENTS OF THE FACULTY

Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics Center (sui generis Department)
Institute of Chemical Physics
Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology
Laser Research Center
Institute of Applied Electrodynamics and Telecommunications
Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy

RESEARCH AREAS

Analysis of Atoms, Subatomic Particles or their Ensembles, Complex Systems Electromagnetic Radiation and Cosmic Objects
Development, Characterization, and Interdisciplinary Application of Advanced Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices
Investigation of Novel Organic and Inorganic Functional Materials and Structures
Laser Physics and Technology
Solid State Physics and Technology
Spectrometric Characterization of Materials and Electronic/Molecular Processes

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2021

D. Adamchuk. Electrical properties of Ba(Ti1-xCex)O3 ceramics and structural properties of nonstoichiometric tin oxide films.
A. Aukštuolis. Charge carrier transport and recombination in organic semiconductors thin film structures.
L. Jonušauskas. 3D laser lithography of meso-scale structures: towards applications.
D. Meisak. Hybrid multifunctional composites with nanoinclusions and structures for electromagnetic applications.
J. Nekrasovas. Investigation and development of fluorene based organic charge transport materials for organic and inorganic solar cells applications.
S. Pakalka. Theoretical study of direct and indirect single ionisation by electron impact.
L. Smalakys. Optical fatigue of dielectric coatings in the femtosecond regime: physical mechanisms and metrology.
R. Šuminas. Femtosecond filamentation in media with competing quadratic and cubic nonlinearities.
A. Šuminienė. Supercontinuum generation in semiconductor and narrow band gap dielectric crystals.
M. Tretjak. Low-frequency noise and charge carrier transfer mechanisms in composites of carbon nanoparticles and dielectric matrix.
M. Velička. SERS spectroscopy of biological fluids and cells.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2021

International Europlanet Summer School Asteroid Photometry, Molėtai Astronomical Observatory, 16–27August 2021, https://mao.tfai.vu.lt/europlanet2021

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2021

The ELI ERIC consortium (European Consortium for Research Infrastructures (ERIC) for Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI)) was established by Lithuania along with the founders of two international powerful laser centres in the Czech Republic and Hungary, which were later joined by Italy. Lithuania will be represented in the ELI ERIC consortium by Vilnius University Laser Research Center (VULRC). The Republic of Lithuania as a Founding member of ELI ERIC with the rights and obligations by Prof. Aidas Matijošius, Director of Vilnius University Laser Research Center.

Blue OLED reaching external quantum efficiency (EQE=24%) in combination with extremely low EQE roll-off was demonstrated. These properties were realized not only by commonly exploited vacuum-deposition technique, but remarkably, also by cost-effective solution-processing technology. The preserved high EQE of 19.6% and 12.7% at 1000 cd/m2 and 10000 cd/m2 (considered as extreme brightness), respectively, are among the best (if not the record) values reported.

Monograph. 2021. S. Varapnickas, J. Maksimovic, M. Malinauskas, S. Juodkazis, 3D Subtractive/Additive Printing with Ultrashort Laser Pulses: A Matured Technology, In: Sugioka K. (eds) Handbook of Laser Micro- and Nano-Engineering. Springer, Cham pp. 1–22 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69537-2_66-1


THE EXPERIMENTAL NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS CENTER

Saulėtekio al. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel. 223 4649
E-mail:
Head: Dr Aurelijus Rinkevičius

STAFF

Research professor: Dr A. Rinkevičius.
Senior researcher: Dr V. Rapševičius.
Researchers (postdocs): Dr A. Oliveira, Dr D. Šimelevičius.
Interns (Computer Science): D. Dirmaitė, E. Petraitytė.
Engineers (IT): A. Poluden, A. Šilalė.
Administrative staff: M. Macijauskas, B. Šatkovskis.

ASSOCIATED STAFF

Associate professors: Dr B. Abakevičienė (KTU), Dr T. Gajdosik.
Senior researchers: Dr V. Dūdėnas, Dr A. Juodagalvis, Dr D. Jurčiukonis, Dr A. Kynienė.
Doctoral students: M. Ambrozas, S. Draukšas.

RESEARCH AREAS

High-Energy Physics, Particle Detectors

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Data acquisition systems
Drell-Yan studies
Higgs precision studies
Machine learning
Multivariate classifiers (discriminants)
Semiconductor pixelated particle detectors
Standard model and Beyond the standard model physics
Technology transfer for business applications
Top quark studies

Research Projects Carried Out in 2021

Top-Higgs ( ) Studies in Decay Modes to Leptons (including taus) and b Quarks with the CMS Detector at the LHC.

The Higgs precision studies are an important piece of the LHC program. Besides a discovery of the process, further studies must continue. Having more LHC data it becomes possible to pin down individual components of the Higgs processes in an associated production with top quarks. As a result, pinning down the event rates with better precision, studying kinematics are important pieces for the search of new physics.

Main publication:

Juodagalvis, A., Rinkevicius, A., et al. [CMS]. Measurement of the Higgs boson production rate in association with top quarks in final states with electrons, muons, and hadronically decaying tau leptons at \sqrt{s}=13 TeV. Eur.Phys.J.C. 2021, 81(4): 378.
doi:10.1140/epjc/s10052-021-09014-x [arXiv:2011.03652 [hep-ex]].

Central Data Acquisition System of the CMS Detector at the LHC.

The Data Acquisition (DAQ) project in CMS is responsible for the infrastructure, read-out of all subdetector back-end electronics, running of the High Level Trigger (HLT) and storage, as well as overall integration. The DAQ project has developed online software frameworks, which are used by the central DAQ, as well as all the subdetectors, as a foundation to implement their DAQ applications.

Main publication:

Šimelevičius, D., et al. The Phase-2 Upgrade of the CMS Data Acquisition. EPJ Web Conf.2021, 251: 04023. https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202125104023 (Conference proceedings).

Unsupervised Learning for Automated HEP Signal Untangling.

Exploratory studies that are probing the feasibility for an automated classification of underlying physics. Ideally a ‘diagram’ level disentanglement of the high-energy data, such as provided by the CMS experiment at CERN, would become possible. It is a joint venture with Vectorspace AI.
Note: research topics engaged by the associated staff are displayed under the departments of corresponding primary affiliations.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, France)
Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)
Cornell University (USA)
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY, Germany)
ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Hamburg University (Germany)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany)
National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, KBFI (Estonia)
Rice University (USA)
Paul Scherrer Institut (Switzerland)
Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research (India)
Universidad de Oviedo (Spain)
Universitaet Zuerich (Switzerland)
Universite Catholique de Louvain (Belgium)
University of Bologna (Italy)
University of Paris-Saclay (France)
Vanderbilt University (USA)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Dr A. Rinkevicius –

  • CERN CMS Team Leader for Vilnius University;
  • Lithuanian scientific delegate to the CERN Council and Scientific Policy Committee (SPC);
  • member of the CERN Baltic Group (also Science and Technology subgroup leader);
  • member of the CMS collaboration at CERN;
  • CMS ttH multilepton group convener;
  • mentor of DeepTech Entrepreneurship MBA program at VU Business School;
  • Scientific Board member of Vector Space Biosciences (San Francisco, CA).

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

  • An Introduction to Particles, Accelerators, and Detectors’ at The American International School of Vilnius, 26 January;
  • International CMS Masterclass, 24 February;
  • International Hadron Therapy Masterclass 24 March;
  • An Introduction to Particles, Accelerators, and Detectors’ at International Physics Olympiad, 22 July, ;
  • Particle Physics overview classes at NMA (LT: Nacionalinė moksleivių akademija), 24–25 August;
  • Lectures at ‘Erdvėlaivis Žemė’ science outreach festival, 17 September;
  • Cosmic rays workshop with Šv. Kristoforo gymnasium students, 20 October.


INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS

Saulėtekio al. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel. 223 4596
E-mail:
Director – Prof. Dr Valdas Šablinskas

STAFF

Professors: Dr V. Sablinskas, Dr Habil. V. Balevičius, Dr K. Arlauskas, Dr D. Abramavičius, Dr J. Šulskus, Dr V. Jankauskas (part-time) Dr Habil. V. Gulbinas (part-time), Dr Habil. G. Niaura (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr V. Aleksa, Dr J. Čeponkus, Dr V. Urbonienė, Dr A. Maršalka, Dr O. Rancova, Dr M. Mačernis, Dr J. Chmeliov, Dr A. Gelžinis, Dr K. Glemža, Dr F. Kuliešius, Dr A. Poškus, Dr M. Viliūnas, Dr N. Nekrašas, Dr R. Maldžius, Dr K. Aidas (part-time), V. Klimavičius (part-time).
Assist. professor: Dr S. Toliautas.
Lecturers: Dr G. Sliaužys, R. Platakytė (part-time), R. Bandzevičiūtė (part-time), S. Adomavičiūtė (part-time), M. Velička (part-time), D. Lengvinaitė (part-time).
Researchers: Dr K.Genevičius (director of research), Dr A. Gruodis (part-time, senior researcher), Dr T. Grigaitis, Dr E. Kamarauskas, Dr J. Nekrasovas, Dr A. Aukštuolis. Dr L. Tumonis.
Doctoral students: S. Adomavičiūtė, M. Velička, R. Platakytė, J. Stocka, R. Bandzevičiūtė, D. Lengvinaitė, C. Bubilaitis, R. Čepas, L. Diska, M. Jakučionis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Characterization of the optical responses of molecular complexes of natural and artificial origin at high excitation intensity including exciton annihilation effects
Development of theory of molecular excitation and quantum relaxations (excitons, polarons, vibrons) and application to molecular systems
Development of the theory and computational approaches of nonlinear spectroscopy of molecular complexes including static electric field – induced signals
Theoretical studies of temperature dependences of the fluorescence kinetics of photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes from plants at different level of aggregation
Modelling of single molecular spectroscopy data of molecular systems
SERS analysis of biological fluids, tissues and cells
Conformational analysis of cyclic sila- and germa- organic molecules
Conformational dynamic and proton tunneling pathways in the molecules and hydrogen bonded complexes studied by the means of computational simulations and low temperature matrix isolation FTIR spectroscopy
Fiber ATR based FTIR spectroscopy of cancerous tissues
NMR and EPR studies of organic and inorganic compounds of the organized structures in the liquid, solid phases and nano-crystals
Theoretical modeling of molecular properties
New functional materials and structures: deposition technologies of new organic, inorganic and hybrid material layers and structures, and investigation of electric, photoelectric and charge carrier transport features

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Development of Electronic Spectroscopy Modelling Methods of Molecules, Molecular Complexes and Solid Crystals. Prof. D. Abramavičius. 2019–2023.

Detailed analysis of time-resolved fluorescence experiments was performed on aggregates of CP29 – a minor LHC of plants. The analysis of the accuracy of the forward–backward trajectory solution (FBTS) of the quantum-classical Liouville equation was performed. It was concluded that the FBTS is considerably more accurate than the PBME and the perturbative approaches for most realistic parameter sets and is, therefore, more versatile. It was found that diadinoxanthin and alloxanthin present atypical vibrational properties in solution, indicating the presence of several conformations. Several advanced transient investigation techniques, covering timescale from sub-ps to μs, to address all sequence of processes starting from photoexcitation of donors or acceptors to carrier extraction in several NFOSCs and cells with phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was used.

Main publications:

Karpič, R., Ostapenko, N., Ostapenko, Y., Polupan, Y., Lazarev, I., Galunov, N., Mačernis, M., Abramavičius, D., Valkūnas, L. Unusual temperature dependence of the fluorescence decay in heterostructured stilbene. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 2021, 23(5): 3447–3454. DOI: 10.1039/D0CP05436D.

Braver, Y., Valkunas, L. and Gelzinis, A. Quantum–Classical Approach for Calculations of Absorption and Fluorescence: Principles and Applications. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2021, 17(11): 7157–7168.

Bubilaitis, V., Rancova, O. and Abramavicius, D. Vibration-mediated energy transport in bacterial reaction center: Simulation study. J. Chem. Phys. 2021, 154: 214115. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0048815, 2021.

Spectroscopy of Hybrid and Structured Functional Materials and Coatings for Photonic Devices and Optical Sensors. Prof. V. Sablinskas. 2021–2025.

The matrix isolation studies revealed that salicylic acid under normal conditions exists as a single conformer out of the four possible theoretically predicted ones. Two of the other conformers can be formed upon selective UV irradiation of the sample containing only the most stabile conformer and isolated in low temperature inert media.
Application of ATR fibre spectroscopy for diagnostics of cancerous tissues was extended to a broader range of the human tissues namely pancreas and liver in collaboration with Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos and Dresden Technical University.
CP MAS kinetics (1H–13C and 1H–31P) were studied in a series from calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) to poly-(vinyl phosphonic acid) (pVPA), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA), poly [2-(methacryloyloxy)-ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride] (PMETAC) culminating with tripeptides (Gly-Pro-Gly, Gly-Phe-Gly, Gly-Gly-Gly).

Main publications:

Gutiérrez-Quintanilla, A., Platakyte, R., Chevalier, M., Crépin, C., Ceponkus, J. Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2021, 125 (11): 2249–2266.

Lengvinaitė, D., Kvedaraviciute, S., Bielskutė, S., Klimavicius, V., Balevicius, V., Mocci, F., Laaksonen, A., Aidas K. Structural Features of the [C4mim][Cl] Ionic Liquid and Its Mixtures with Water: Insight from a 1H NMR Experimental and QM/MD Study. J. Phys. Chem. B. 2021, 125: 13255.

Adomavičiūtė-Grabusovė, S., Ramanavičius, S., Popov, A., Šablinskas, V., Gogotsi, O., Ramanavičius, A. Selective Enhancement of SERS Spectral Bands of Salicylic Acid Adsorbate on 2D Ti3C2Tx-Based MXene Film. Chemosensors. 2021, 9: 223.

New Functional Materials and Structures. Prof. K. Arlauskas. 2018–2021.

Influence of dielectric layer onto hole mobility and recombination properties in sandwich and OFET structures with single active layer of PBDTTPD (Poly[(5,6-dihydro-5-octyl-4,6-dioxo-4H-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3-diyl)[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl]]) was investigation. The features of new fluorene, carbazole and triphenylamine hole transport materials were investigated. Charge carrier transport studies were performed for BT-4D (triarylamine-substituted bithiophene), TT-4D (terthiophene) and QT-4D (quarterthiophene), CI-TTIN-2F (type D-π-A) and Car-2TPA (carbazole-triphenylamine type) compounds used for efficient hole transport layers of perovskite solar cells.

Main publications:

Aukštuolis, A., Nekrašas, N., Genevičius, K., Juška, G. Investigation of charge carrier mobility and recombination in PBDTTPD thin layer structures. Organic Electronics. 2021, 90: 106066.

Liu, C., Igci, C., Yang, Y., Syzgantseva, O. A., Syzgantseva, M. A., Rakstys, K., Kanda, H., Shibayama, N., Ding, B., Zhang, X., Jankauskas, V., Ding, Y., Dai, S., Dyson, P., Nazeeruddin, M. K. Dopant-free hole transport materials afford efficient and stable inorganic perovskite solar cells and modules. Angewandte chemie. 2021, 60(37): 20489–20497.

Sutanto, A. A., Joseph, V., Igci, C., Syzgantseva, O. A., Syzgantseva, M. A., Jankauskas, V., Rakstys, K., Queloz, V. I. E., Huang, P.-Y., Ni, J.-S., Kinge, S., Asiri, A. M., Chen, M.-C., Nazeeruddin, M. K. Isomeric carbazole-based hole-transporting materials: role of the linkage position on the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells. Chemistry of Materials. 2021, 33(9): 3286–3296.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Evolution of Optical Excitations in Heterogeneous Molecular Compounds (Grant No. SMIP-20-47). Prof. D. Abramavičius. 2020–2023.

High level computational modelling and calculations of 2DESS as well as 2DES and Stark spectra, studying a photosynthetic dimer inspired by the photosystem II reaction center was performed. The non-Markovian equations of motion to describe the equilibration process in an excitonic molecular aggregate were applied. Experimental and theoretical studies for three type solid-state samples: β-carotene, β-carotene/chitooligosaccharides and β-carotene/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin were performed. It was found that the study is helpful for better understanding of correlations between Raman ν1 band and CARS distortions.

Main publications:

Bubilaitis, V., Rancova, O. and Abramavicius, D. Vibration-mediated energy transport in bacterial reaction center: Simulation study. J. Chem. Phys. 2021, 154: 214115. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0048815.

Abramavicius, D., Krouglov, S., Barzda, V. Second harmonic generation theory for a helical macromolecule with high sensitivity to structural disorder. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2021, 23(36): 20201-20217. DOI10.1039/d1cp00694k.

Song, Y., Sechrist, R., Nguyen, H. H., Johnson, W., Abramavicius, D., Redding, K. E., Ogilvie, J. P. Excitonic structure and charge separation in the heliobacterial reaction center probed by multispectral multidimensional spectroscopy. Nat. Commun. 2021, 12(1): 2801. DOI10.1038/s41467-021-23060-9.

International Research Projects

Project funded by bilateral Lithuanian–French Programme “Gilibert”. Investigation of the Structure and Dynamics of Anti-Inflammatory Salicylate-Based Drug Molecules by Matrix Isolation Vibrational Spectrometry. Dr J. Čeponkus. 2019–2021.

During this study it was shown that salicylic acid under normal conditions exists as a single conformer out of the four possible theoretically predicted ones. Two of the other conformers can be formed upon selective UV irradiation of the sample containing only the most stabile conformer and isolated in low temperature inert media. It was also demonstrated that back conversion also possible by tuning UV irradiation to the corresponding species UV absorption maxima. Complex with water only slightly influences the structure of salicylic acid and plays only minor role in conformational dynamics. The simpler model molecules possessing internal hydrogen bonds were also studied in order to facilitate the understanding of the more complex drug molecules.

Main publication:

Gutiérrez-Quintanilla, A. Platakyte, R. Chevalier, M. Crépin, C. Ceponkus, J. Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2021, 125(11): 2249–2266.

Development of Thermally Optimised Resistojet for Laser Ablative Cutting Fabrication (TORTILAC). Dr L. Tumonis. 2021–2023.

The aim of this project is to develop a thermally optimised resistojet thruster propelled by water and suitable for nanosatellites by using laser ablative cutting fabrication technology.
In 2021, together with project partners (sub-contractors) following steps were performed:
Requirements Specification and Test Plan was formulated. Preliminary design including tradeoff analysis of different materials and design topologies of the thruster was presented. High fidelity coupled structural, thermal and CFD model of the resistojet design using FEM software was developed. Laser ablation process for selected materials has been performed and resistojet heat exchanger prototype parts have been fabricated.
European Space Agency (ESA).

Development and Investigation of Rocket Micro-Engines for Small Satellites. Researcher L. Tumonis. 2018–2021.

Development of thrust stand with magnetic levitations suspension for micro-thrusters was carried out. Several improvement iterations have been taken to improve levitation stability. Detailed measurements were performed in order to characterize the performance of the stand. Investigation of the cyclic thermomechanical fatigue of the thruster heat exchanger made of a fused silica was performed. During the work, a heat exchanger made by laser ablation was investigated. Both the FEM analysis and the physical tests identified the critical parts of the object that are most affected by the thermos-cyclic loading. The design of the thruster heat exchanger was improved based on the results obtained.

Main publication:

Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė, L., Dordi, Y., Norkus, E., Stankevičienė, I., Jagminienė, A., Naujokaitis, A., Tumonis, L. Buzas, V., Maciulis, L. Electroless platinum deposition using Co3+/Co2+ redox couple as a reducing agent. Materials. 2021, 14(8): 1893. DOI: 10.3390/ma14081893.

Project funded by Stora Enso Oyj. (Research Cooperation Contract). Electric and Dielectric Properties of Packaging Materials. Prof. K. Arlauskas. 2018–2021.

The temperature studies of the electrical and dielectric properties of paper substrates was performed using experimental papers with different salt contents, different thicknesses, and different grammages. Physical processes related to the charging potential, charge decay rate, conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss of papers are dependent on thermal energy, and this dependence on temperature can be described by exponential expressions. The ion content of paper not only determines the level of these properties at a given temperature, as expected but also influences their temperature-dependence. Frequency analysis of the dielectric loss confirms that new structures are formed in paper by the addition of NaCl. The results may be applicable to the design of materials and equipment, e.g., for the electrophotographic printing processes.

Horizon project. National Competence Centres in the Framework of EuroHPC — EUROCC (No. 951732 - EUROCC - H2020-JTI-EUROHPC-2019-2). Assoc. Prof. Dr Mindaugas Mačernis. 2020–2022.

Lithuania has become a member of EuroHPC, what opened the possibility for VU to host the Lithuanian national HPC competence center and to be a partner in such projects. Two faculties of VU – faculty of Physics and faculty of Mathematics and Informatics in the field of productive computing started to offer petaflop computing power resources to the Lithuanian scientific community. EuroCC project has received funding from the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 951732.

Contractual Research

Service agreement. Measurements of Transmission and Optical Phase Contrast of Optical Phase Retarders in MIR Region (Nr. APS-120000-43 and (1.57)15600-INS-4). Prof. V. Šablinskas. 2019–2023.

Service agreement. Measurements of Transmission and Reflection of Optical Crystals in VIS NIR and MIR Regions (Nr. APS-120000-108 and (1.57)15600-INS-68). J. Čeponkus. 2019–2023.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Fiber Optics Company ArtPhotonics (Germany)
MaxIV laboratory at Lund University (Sweden)
College of Charleston (USA)
University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, Irvine (USA)
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA)
Queen Mary University, London (UK)
Institute of Physics of Charles University (Czech Republic)
Institute of Physics (National Center of Physical and Technological Sciences) (Lithuania)
Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany)
Leibnitz institute of Polymer Research in Dresden (Germany)
Technical University of Dresden (Germany)
Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce (Poland)
Wroclav University of Science and Technology (Poland)
Opole University (Poland)
Paris-Saclay University (France)
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan (Poland)
National Institute of Chemistry (Slovenia)
Copenhagen University (Denmark)
Stockholm University (Sweden)
University of Bialystok (Poland)
University of Cagliari (Italy)
Eduard-Zintl Institute for Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, University of Technology
National Institute of Chemistry and Slovenian NMR Centre (SLONMR), Liubljana (Slovenia)
Kielce University (Poland)
Free University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Free University of Brussels (Belgium)
Lund University (Sweden)
Nuclear Research Centre, Saclay (France)
University of Antwerp (Belgium)
Technical University of Munich (Germany)
Institut de Biologie et de Technologie de Saclay, University Paris Sud (France)
N. Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (Ukraine)
Optical components company Eksma Optics (Lithuania)
Optical components company Optogama (Lithuania)
Optical components company Altechna (Lithuania)
Agro and food innovation company Art21 (Lithuania)
Innovation company Spektrolabas (Lithuania)
Center of Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Šablinskas –

  • member of Doctoral Committee for Physics at Vilnius University;
  • member of Doctoral Committee for Biophysics at Vilnius University;
  • member of graduate studies committee Applied Physics at Vilnius University.

Prof. V. Balevičius –

  • member of the international advisory board Horizons in Hydrogen Bond Research;
  • member of the international advisory board Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Condensed Matter;
  • member of the advisory committee International School-Seminar of Galyna Puchkovska on Spectroscopy of Molecules and Crystals.

Dr V. Urbonienė –

  • member of methodological group of Vilnius University STEAM center;
  • member of STEAM working group at COIMBRA GROUP.

Assoc. Prof. J. Čeponkus –

  • chairman of graduate studies committee Applied Physics at Vilnius University.
  • chairman of graduate studies committee Physics at Vilnius University.

Assoc. Prof. K. Aidas –

  • organizer of scientific monthly seminar Chemical Physics at Saulėtekis.

Lecturer D. Lengvinaitė –

  • member of organization committee of the international conference Open Readings;
  • President of the OSA Vilnius University chapter.

Lecturer R. Platakytė –

  • member of organization committee of the international conference Open Readings.

Prof. K. Arlauskas –

  • member of Lithuanian Science Award Committee at the Lithuanian Academy of Science;
  • member of Doctoral Committee for Material Engineering at Vilnius University

Research Prof. Dr K. Genevičius –

  • member of doctoral Committee for Physics at Vilnius University;
  • member of graduate studies Committee for Materials of Technology and Optoelectronic at Vilnius University.

Prof. Dr V. Jankauskas –

  • member of graduate studies Committee for Life and Chemical Physics at Vilnius University.

Assoc. Prof. M. Viliūnas –

  • member of IPhO 2021 organization committee.

Prof. J. Šulskus –

  • substitute of Lithuania representative on the Governing Board of the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking.

Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Chmeliov –

  • member of the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

Assoc. Prof. Dr M. Mačernis–

  • Vilnius University representative of Vilnius University RedHat Academy.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

  • V. Sablinskas, et al. Magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles for SERS. SPIE conference Optics and Photonics, San Diego, USA, 1–5 August 2021.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES

  • Lithuanian science award to Prof. G. Niaura for the cycle of works Research into the Molecular Structure and Functionality of Materials by Vibrational Spectroscopy Methods, 04 February 2021.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES

  • Assoc. Prof. A. Gruodis - expert in technical committee, LST TC 52 ophthalmic optics and laser, Lithuanian Standardization Department.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

  • V. Šablinskas and J. Čeponkus - consultation on possibilities to use steady state and time resolved vibrational spectroscopy for the virus detection and identification in humans. IRsweep AG Switzerland.
  • V. Šablinskas, J. Čeponkus and M. Velička - consultation on the possibilities to use IR and NIR spectroscopy for food quality analysis. UAB ART21.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

  • Interview of Dr R. Dobužinskas in the journal Illustrated Science (2021, issue 1) Ionizing Radiation – from Shoe Measuring Devices to Nuclear Disasters (in Lithuanian).


INSTITUTE OF PHOTONICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY

Saulėtekio al. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel. 223 4482
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Habil. Saulius Antanas Juršėnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr E. Gaubas (part-time), Dr K. Jarašiūnas (emeritus), Dr Habil. S. A. Juršėnas (part-time), Dr V. Kažukauskas (part-time), Dr E. Kuokštis, Dr V. Tamošiūnas, Dr G. Tamulaitis (part-time), D R. Tomašiūnas (part-time), D J. V. Vaitkus (emeritus), Dr G. Valušis (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr R. Aleksiejūnas (part-time), Dr R. Butkutė (part-time), Dr T. Čeponis (part-time), Dr T. Grinys (part-time), Dr T. Malinauskas (part-time), Dr S. Nargelas (part-time), Dr P. Vitta (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr J. Jurkevičius (part-time), Dr R. Komskis (part-time), Dr G. Kreiza (part-time), Dr M. Mackoit-Sinkevičienė (part-time), Dr A. Mekys (part-time), Dr L. Minkevičius (part-time), Dr A. Novičkovas (part-time), Dr P. Ragulis (part-time), Dr S. Raišys (part-time), Dr A. Vaitkevičius (part-time), Dr A. Zabiliūtė-Karaliūnė (part-time).
Teachng assistants: D. Banevičius (part-time), V. Čižas, K. Pūkas (part-time), E. Radiunas (part-time).
Research professors: Dr E. Gaubas (part-time), Dr K. Kazlauskas, Dr V. Kažukauskas (part-time), Dr Ž. Lukšienė (part-time), Dr G. Tamulaitis (part-time), Dr R. Tomašiūnas (part-time).
Senior researchers: Dr R. Aleksiejūnas (part-time), Dr T. Čeponis (part-time), Dr T. Grinys, Dr V. Grivickas (part-time), Dr A. Kadys (part-time), Dr T. Malinauskas (part-time), Dr A. Mekys (part-time), Dr S. Miasojedovas, Dr J. Mickevičius, Dr S. Nargelas (part-time), Dr T. Serevičius, Dr P. Ščajev, Dr P. Vitta (part-time).
Researchers: Dr P. Baronas, Dr I. Buchovec, Dr D. Dobrovolskas, Dr J. Jurkevičius (part-time), Dr R. Komskis, Dr G. Kreiza, Dr K. Nomeika, Dr A. Novičkovas (part-time), Dr J. Pavlov, Dr Ž. Podlipskas, Dr S. Raišys, Dr I. Reklaitis (part-time), Dr V. Rumbauskas, Dr R. Skaisgiris, Dr A. Vaitkevičius, Dr A. Zabiliūtė-Karaliūnė (part-time), Dr E. Žąsinas (part-time).
Research assistants: K. Aponienė (part-time), K. Badokas (part-time), D. Banevičius (part-time), L. Deveikis (part-time), J. Jovaišaitė (part-time), M. Kolenda (part-time), O. Kravcov (part-time), K. Pūkas (part-time), E. Radiunas (part-time).
Engineers: Dr P. Adomėnas (part-time), Dr O. Adomėnienė (part-time), Dr. V. Bikbajevas, Dr V. Grivickas, Ž. Komičius, Dr S. Tamošiūnas.
Technicians: R. Beresnienė, S. Bikantienė (part-time), O. Bobrovas (part-time), L. Deltuvytis (part-time), V. Kalcas (part-time), O. Kravcov (part-time), R. Lebionka (part-time), Y. Talochka (part-time), M. Vaičiulis (part-time), Ž. Vosylius (part-time), V. Žvinytė (part-time).
Doctoral students: K. Aponienė, K. Badokas, D. Banevičius, L. Deveikis, J. Jovaišaitė, K. Pūkas, E. Radiunas, V. Sendiuk, Y. Talochka, Ž. Vosylius.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Antibacterial technologies based of photodynamic inactivation by light and photosensitizers Artificial intelligence in various Lithuanian language computer implementations, e.g., machine translation, search systems, intelligent dictionaries, text parsing and data mining
Bio-, immuno-, DNA- sensors based on nanostructured conducting polymers
Development of GaN devices (LEDs, detectors, resonators, etc.)
Characterization, optimization and applications of light-emitting diodes and their systems Non-destructive characterization of wide band gap semiconductor
Development of measurement techniques for comprehensive characterization of photo-sensors, particle detectors, light emitting diodes and solar-cells
Development of measurement techniques and instrumentation for the in situ characterization of material and device structures under heavy irradiations by hadrons
Development of infrared radiation-hard detectors
Dosimetry of large fluence irradiations
Epitaxy of GaN and other III-nitride layers and multiple quantum wells by MOCVD technology, growth of different polarity III-nitrides for photonic applications
Remote epitaxy of III-nitrides via graphene
Deep level spectroscopy in wide-band-gap semiconductors GaN and diamond fabricated using different technologies
Development of laser-based spectroscopic techniques with temporal, spectral, and spatial resolution for characterization of novel semiconductor materials for optoelectronics
Investigation of native and ionizing radiation induced defects and micro-inhomogeneities in semiconductor materials and device structures
Development of ultrafast scintillation detectors
Hybrid triplex organic sensors for the detection of a wide range and high-energy radiation
Synthesis and structure identification of promising organic and hybrid compounds
Revealing the structure-properties relationship of new molecular derivatives
Spectroscopy of perovskite materials
Development of the new molecular structures of organic and hybrid materials and investigation of photophysical properties
Development of the technologies for photonics devices (OLEDs, organic lasers, organic solar cells, organic light converters etc.) of organic and hybrid compounds
Lighting systems with advanced colour rendition control for general and niche lighting
materials
Development of phosphor technologies for the niche illumination applications
Intelligent solid-state lighting systems for outdoor lighting

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Development, Investigation and Application of Advanced Semiconductor Structures for Optoelectronics. Dr R. Tomašiūnas. 2020–2021.

The main focus of the project was to further develop the III-nitrides MOCVD technology to grow nitride epilayers and structures applying 2D materials, ALD films. Investigation of gallium nitride epilayer crystal quality improvement by overgrowth of FIB patterned structures. Numerical modelling and experimental investigation of associated localized and free non-equilibrium charge carrier dynamics in nitride semiconductors using luminescence spectroscopy. Characterization of wideband semiconductors by optical absorption and light-induced transient gratings methods. Investigation of photo-galvanomagnetic and transport phenomena.
Further development of high-energy radiation double-response GaN/AlGaN sensor technology and detector architecture. Development of methods for radiation and technology defect spectroscopy.
Further development of optical, thermal, and photoionization spectroscopy of defect states and analysis of charge transfer in semiconductor materials and structures, important for opto- and photoelectrical applications.

Main publication:

Jelmakas, E., Kadys, A., Dmukauskas, M., Grinys, T., Tomašiūnas, R., Dobrovolskas, D., Gervinskas, G., Juodkazis, S., Talaikis, M., Niaura, G. FIB micro-milled sapphire for GaN maskless epitaxial lateral overgrowth: a systematic study on patterning geometry. J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Electron. 2021, 32: 14532.

Solid-State Lighting Technologies. Dr P. Vitta. 2016–2021.

Activity No 1.
Phosphor converters for solid state lighting applications experience a strong thermal stress under high-excitation power densities. The recent interest in laser diode based lighting has made this issue even more severe. This research presents an effective approach to reduce the thermal quenching effect and damage of laser-excited phosphor-silicone converters using thermally conductive hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particles. Herein, the samples are analyzed by employing phosphor thermometry based on the photoluminescence decay time, and thermo-imaging techniques. The study shows that hBN particle incorporation increases the thermal conductivity of a phosphor-silicone mixture up to 5 times. It turns out, that the addition of hBN to the Eu2+ doped chalcogenide-silicone converters can increase the top-limit excitation power density from 60 to 180 W cm-2, thus reaching a 2.5 times higher output. Moreover, it is shown that the presence of hBN in Ce3+ activated garnet phosphor converters, may increase the output power by up to 1.8 times and that such converters can withstand 218 W cm-2 excitation. Besides, hBN particles are also found to enhance the stability of the converters chromaticity and luminous efficacy of radiation. This means that the addition of hBN particles into silicone-based phosphor converter media is applicable in a wide range of different areas, in particular, the ones requiring a high optical power output density.

Main publication:

Zabiliute-Karaliune, A. Aglinskaite, J. and Vitta P. The reduction of the thermal quenching effect in laser-excited phosphor converters using highly thermally conductive hBN particles. Sci. Rep. 2021, 11(1): 6755.

Activity No 2.
Every year 15–50% of cereals all around the world are lost due to fungal contamination and deterioration. In addition, 25% of crops, which are used for human and animal consumption, are contaminated with mycotoxins. It is obvious, that more effective and sustainable technologies for better microbial control of crops are required. For this purpose we evaluated antibacterial and antifungal activity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) (10-3-5 x 10-3M) activated with visible light (405 nm, 18–30 J/cm2). Obtained data indicated that this treatment can inactivate human pathogen E. coli B by 6 log CFU without any possibility to regrowth after treatment. Wheat pathogen Fusarium oxysporum was inactivated by 51.7%. Results indicated that reactive oxygen species took place in the mechanisms of inactivation. Moreover, visible light activated ZnO NPs reduced the population of mesophiles on the surface of grains by 2.5 log CFU/g, inoculated E. coli- by 2.0 log CFU/g and naturally distributed fungi-by 2.1 log CFU/g. This treatment had no impact on visual quality of grains, did not inhibit grain germination rate and slightly promoted grain seedling growth. Concluding, the use of visible light driven photocatalysis in ZnO nanoparticles has huge potential to control plant pathogens, reduce food-borne diseases and subsequently enhance the sustainability in agriculture, meeting the increasing demands of a growing world population.

Main publication:

Zudyte, B. Luksiene Z. Visible light-activated ZnO nanoparticles for microbial control of wheat crop. J Photochem Photobiol. B Biol. 2021, 219: 112206.

National Research Projects

Central Agency of Project Management (Lithuania). Centre of Technologies of the Contactless and Remote Detection of Ionizing Radiations (No. 01.2.2-CPVA-K-703-02-0002). Dr Habil. E. Gaubas. 2018–2021.

The project aims at the development of the ionizing radiation detection and characterization systems based on the material interaction with ionizing, optic and microwave radiation. Novel methods and prototype equipment enabling the radiation detection, measurement and monitoring in a wide range of fluencies are intended to be developed. The systems have no analogues on the global market of remote and fast detection technologies.

EU patent applications:
Hybrid multi-layer sensor and method for large fluence dosimetry and fluxmetry 2020-256.
Magnetic analyzer for relativistic charged particles, 20210319.8.
Obtained EPO patent:
Double response ionizing radiation detector and measuring method using the same. Patent No. 3594723.

Research Council of Lithuania. Creation of the Prototype Wide-Spectrum Dosimetry System for Various Purposes Monitoring of Irradiations (No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0013). Dr Habil. E. Gaubas. 2018–2022.

The radiation technologies gain the increased role over nowadays innovations of the scientific and technological developments and applications, e.g., speeding of high power transducers by introduction of radiation defects, implantation and transmutation technologies for advanced doping technologies in microelectronics, accelerator and radioactive isotope equipment for medical diagnostics and therapy, etc. Simultaneously, exploitation of nuclear power plants, of high brightness particle accelerators and spallators needs the precise and in situ dosimetry monitoring for the proper governing of technological processes, for relevant storage of nuclear fuel and its waste, for permanent control of instruments employed within acceleration and spallation facilities, and, eventually, for environmental and personnel safety purposes. The project objective is to research and develop the optimal sensor materials, structures as well as layer parameters and to create a technology of fabrication of the sensor-reading instrumentation, capable to perform fast scans of big amount of sensors, to operate in remote and in situ signal recording modes in order to produce a prototype dosimetry system for wide spectrum and fluence range of irradiations. The tasks of the project would be addressed to search of materials and their combinations for making of the dual and triple response sensors and to development of the measurement engineering means for fabrication of the dose readers instrumentation and technology of assembly of various modules into a single device, which composes the microwave, laser and photonic technologies.

Main publication:

Deveikis, L., Vaitkus, J. V., Čeponis, T., Gaspariūnas, M., Kovalevskij, V., Rumbauskas, V., Gaubas, E. Profiling of proton beams by fluence scanners. Lith. J. Phys. 2021, 61: 75–83.

Research Council of Lithuania. Development of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials via Smart Molecular Engineering (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-718-01-0026). Prof. S. A. Juršėnas. 2018–2022.

The project is intended to create series of novel organic electronic materials - niche products with unique properties, and develop their large-scale synthesis and purification technologies. The project partner “Fine Synthesis Ltd” (FS) has expertise in synthesis of organic electronic and photonic materials as well as in development of technologies for large-scale synthesis and purification. During the first two years of the project more than 80 chemical compounds were synthesized. The detailed structure-property analysis allowed selecting 8 series of compounds for further optimization in the device configuration.

Main publications:

Serevičius, T., Skaisgiris, R., Fiodorova, I., Kreiza, G., Banevičius, D., Kazlauskas, K., Tumkevičius, S., Juršėnas, S. A. Single-Exponential Solid-State Delayed Fluorescence Decay in TADF Compounds with Minimized Conformational Disorder. J. Mater. Chem. C. 2021, 9(3): 836–841.

Baronas, P., Komskis, R., Tankelevičiut̅ė, E., Adomėnas, P., Adomėnienė, O., Juršėnas, S. Helical Molecular Orbitals to Induce Spin–Orbit Coupling in Oligoyne-Bridged Bifluorenes. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. 2021: 12(29): 6827–6833.

Research Council of Lithuania. MOCVD Growth of III-Nitride Semiconductors by van der Waals Epitaxy on Graphene (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0076). Dr T. Malinauskas. 2018–2022.

The project goal is to improve scientific competence by executing a research project on the growth of III-nitrides epilayers and nanostructures for optoelectronics using graphene. The main task is to investigate the peculiarities of MOCVD growth of III-nitrides on graphene by employing complementary characterization methods. The main idea and novelty of the project are based on using a new method of semiconductor growth - van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy for III-nitrides using graphene as a buffer layer. VdW epitaxy using graphene is enabling easy lift-off of epitaxial layers from the substrate. This feature will allow multiple uses of expensive homoepitaxial bulk GaN substrate. MOCVD growth of GaN using vdW and graphene is investigated using different substrates - GaN template on sapphire, bulk GaN, SiC, sapphire, and Si. The vdW epitaxy physics and properties of grown epitaxial layers and nanostructures are investigated using structural, optical, and electrical characterization methods. The project will result in improved scientific competence of researchers, development of new technology, the dissemination of scientific results in high-quality peer-reviewed scientific publications and international conferences.

Main publications:

Badokas, K., Kadys, A., Mickevicius, J., Ignatjev, I., Skapas, M., Stanionytė, S., Radiunas, E., Juška, G., Malinauskas, T. Remote epitaxy of GaN via graphene on GaN/sapphire templates. J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 2021, 54: 205103.

Dobrovolskas, D., Kadys, A., Usikov, A., Malinauskas, T., Badokas, K., Ignatjev, I., Lebedev, S., Lebedev, A., Makarov, Y., Tamulaitis G. Luminescence of structured InN deposited on graphene interlayer. J. Lumin. 2021, 232: 117878.

Research Council of Lithuania. Fast Scintillators for Radiation Detectors (FARAD) (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0013). 2018–2022.

The project is aimed at revealing the processes limiting the luminescence response time in scintillators capable to ensure detection timing in the range of 10 ps that is targeted in the future high-luminosity collider experiments to prevent the pile up effect and in medical imaging devices to ensure a better spatial resolution. Our approach for studying fast scintillators is based on the combination of the experimental results obtained by the luminescence spectroscopy under selective photoexcitation in subpicosecond domain with the femtosecond-resolution results obtained by using nonlinear optical techniques, some of them unconventional, which are just fragmentally exploited for the study of scintillators so far. Dynamics of nonequilibrium carriers, mechanisms of luminescence build up, excitation transfer, trapping of nonequilibrium carriers, influence of intentional co-doping on carrier migration and recombination are being studied in scintillators of different types, especially, in Ce-doped garnets, oxyorthosilicates, and perovskites, obtained via collaboration with crystal growers in the Crystal Clear Collaboration (RD18) at CERN. Especial attention is focused on radiation hardness of the scintillators in view of their timing parameters, what is a new challenge of importance in many high-energy physics experiments at CERN and other large-scale facilities. The results will be exploited for selection of materials most prospective to be used as fast scintillators, for optimization of their composition, doping with active ions and co-doping, and conditions of their growth and post-growth annealing.

Main publication:

Dosovitskiy, G., Dubov, V., Karpyuk, P., Volkov, P., Tamulaitis, G., Borisevich, A., Vaitkevičius, A., Prikhodko, K., Kutuzov, L., Svetogorov, R., Veligzhanin, A., Korzhik, M. Activator segregation and micro-luminescence properties in GAGG:Ce ceramics. J. Lumin. 2021, 236: 118140.

Research Council of Lithuania. Neutron Flux Detection System with Optical Readout (No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0041). Prof. G. Tamulaitis. 2018–2022.

The Project is aimed at the development and prototyping of a system capable to monitor neutron fluxes up to the densities above 1010 neutron/cm2/s, which are substantially higher than those monitored by the detection systems currently in use. The targeted applications are primarilly nuclear power plants and spallation facilities. The Project is planned in line with the priority Photonic and Laser Technologies of the Smart Specialization. The Project will contribute to the implementation of the specific objective of the corresponding Action plan „to research and establish optic and optomechanical components” and join the activities carried out to “research new glass, ceramics, crystal materials and fibre in lasers and nonlinear optical devices” in order to develop a device for monitoring dense neutron fluxes, which is based on a novel concept and contains a short-pulse laser and an optic unit exploiting nonlinear optical phenomena in radiation hard single crystal to be selected as optimal.

Main publication:

Nargelas, S., Dosovitskiy, G., Korzhik, M., Tamulaitis, G. Role of inter- and intraconfigurational transitions of Pr3+ ion in nonequilibrium carrier relaxation in garnet-type scintillators. Optical Materials. 2021, 111: 110676.

Research Council of Lithuania. Production and Investigation of Advanced Geometry Nitride Harmonic Generators (No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0018). Dr R. Tomašiūnas. 2018–2022.

We have started to develop a modal quasi phase-matched GaN waveguide structure for optical second-harmonic generation. First, we have investigated the growth of AlGaN on different AlN epilayers by MOVPE using different growth parameters. Secondly, we have investigated the growth of N-polar GaN on Al2O3 layers deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the Ga-polar GaN/AlGaN structure by this completing the entire GaN waveguide structure. We have suggested wafer bonding as a useful method to overcome the difficulties of the growth of complex structures of the waveguides with polarity inversion.

Research Council of Lithuania. Triplet State Engineering in Organic Optoelectronics Compounds (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0084) Dr K. Kazlauskas. 2018–2022.

The project targets triplet state engineering of novel organic materials to harvest the energy stored in the triplet states and enhance the performance of organic optoelectronics devices. Utilization of the energy stored in the form of a triplet excitation in the devices such as organic solar cells and OLEDs has created long-lasting challenge for the researchers. The issue caused low performance of organic electronic devices, thereby severely limiting their competiveness and practical applications as compared to their inorganic counterparts.

Main publication:

Kreiza, G., Berenis, D., Banevicius, D., Jursenas, S., Javorskis, T., Orentas, E., Kazlauskas, K. High Efficiency and Extremely Low Roll-off Solution- and Vacuum-Processed OLEDs Based on Isophthalonitrile Blue TADF Emitter. Chem. Eng. J. 2021, 412.

Research Council of Lithuania. Addressing the Lifetime Issues of the Latest Generation Oleds: Analysis and Possible Solutions (No. S-MIP-21-12). Dr K. Kazlauskas. 2021–2024.

A critical factor restricting the development and commercialization of TADF-OLED technology is a short operational lifetime of blue-emitting devices. Half-lifetime of blue devices typically is in the range of 1-100 hours at a practical luminance of 500-1000 cd/m2. Therefore, the stability of TADF-OLEDs needs to be addressed and improved through the clarification of their degradation mechanisms. In an attempt to contribute to this hot-topic our project is targeted at addressing the lifetime issues of blue TADF-OLEDs in order to improve their further development and commercialization. To address lifetime issues we propose an original multifaceted approach based on: the design of new blue TADF emitters consisting of stable donor/acceptor units (e.g., carbazole, triazine, etc.) featuring large RISC and radiative decay rates; optimization of TADF emitter doping concentration in order to broaden emission recombination zone, which is expected to reduce local exciton concentration in the emissive layer, thereby enabling to avoid exciton interaction and quenching in turn promoting device degradation; introduction of Li and Yb dopants into electron injection/transport layers of OLEDs to facilitate charge injection, subsequently reducing its trapping and related detrimental exciton-polaron quenching in OLEDs; finding and using alternative (more compatible and stable) electron/hole injection, transport and host materials with the same TADF emitter in achieving enhanced device stability and lifetime; application of the multiple approaches in sequence for each particular blue TADF emitter is anticipated to eliminate (or at least reduce) device lifetime limiting factors resulting in significantly enhanced device stability. Although most of these approaches were tried with just a few selected TADF emitters, Li- and Yb-doping of electron injection layers have never been attempted for TADF-OLEDs and hence is considered to be novel.

Research Council of Lithuania. Znmgo Materials with Tunable Band Gap for Solar-Blind UV Sensors (ZMOMUVS) (No. S-M-ERA.NET-19-2). Dr S. Miasojedovas. 2019–2022.

Objective of the project is elaboration of a new ultra-wide band gap material based on a pseudobinary ZnxMg1-xO system with either a wurtzite (wz) or a rocksalt (rs) crystal structure for creation of deep UV detector with enhanced operating energy range from 4.0 eV to 6.0 eV.

Research Council of Lithuania. Origins and Pathways of Non-Radiative Recombination in Nonpolar and Semipolar InGaN Structures (NORAD) (No. MIP-17-75). Dr S. Nargelas. 2017–2020.

The project is aimed at the investigation of recombination pathways of free carriers in III-nitride structures oriented along the non-polar and semi-polar axes. A novel method of sample growth is being implemented to deposit InGaN structures by pulsed-MOCVD on native GaN substrates.

International Research Projects

Horizon 2020 programme ATTRACT project Development of Radiation-Hard and Cost-Effective Inorganic Scintillators for Calorimetric Detectors Based on Binary Glass Compositions Doped with Cerium. SCINTIGLASS. Prof. G. Tamulaitis. 2019–2020.

Glass and glass ceramics are attractive alternatives to the crystalline materials widely used in radiation detectors in basic research as well as for applications in medical diagnostics and homeland security detectors. The materials can be fabricated in molds or by sol-gel techniques. Therefore, they can be prepared in various geometrical shapes such as blocks, plates, and thin fibers. Moreover, large quantities can be fabricated in a relatively short period of time. However, most of the glasses do not exhibit scintillation properties. Nevertheless, quartz produced by sol-gel technology allowing Ce-doping demonstrates a high light yield. Recently, it has been shown that new glasses of binary composition enable fabrication of scintillation glasses heavily doped with Cerium.
The lead-free glasses with the composition BaO*2SiO2:Ce (DSB: Ce) have reached a density of 3.7 g/cm3 and were found to be radiation hard under irradiation by gamma-quanta as well as high energy protons and their highly ionizing secondary products. A further increase of the glass density up to 4.5 g/cm3 accompanied by a high light yield could be achieved by adding Gd2O3 and SiO2 with a molar ratio 1:1 and BaO and SiO2 with the molar ratio of up to 2:3, respectively. Even stronger increase in the glass density, the effective atomic charge Zeff,, and the light yield is observed in glasses of a stoichiometric composition of Lu2O3 and SiO2. These glasses reach density values well above 4.7 g/cm3.
Cerium-doped glasses show a luminescence band peaking at a wavelength of 435 nm and can be read out using standard photomultipliers and via low-cost and fast Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM). The decay kinetics of the scintillation mechanism can be approximated by three exponential components: a component with an effective decay time of 6 ns (~10% of total weight), a component of 30 ns (~40%), and the slowest component with a decay time of 180 ns (~50%). The presence of the latter component depends on both the Ce concentration and the Ba/Si ratio in the final composition. It is worth noting that ~74% of the light are emitted within the first 100 ns after excitation. Such a time response is compatible with the high repetition rates considered for high luminosity collider facilities and other future experiments or applications. The light output at room temperature is ~100 phe/MeV, by a factor of five larger than that of PbWO4 (PWO). The temperature dependence of the light output within a temperature range from -25 to +25 °C is very low: the temperature gradient was determined to be below 0.04%/°C. These features make this material promising for a breakthrough in development of inexpensive large-volume calorimetric detectors or detecting units for remote inspection. The consortium of the participating institutions proposes to exploit the potential of the DSB:Ce binary glass systems for fast timing applications with high sensitivity to low energy neutrons. The targeted applicability covers the fields of calorimetry, fast counting systems in radiation-hard environment, detector systems for medical, technical, and security applications.

Main publication:

Dormenev, V., Amelina, A., Auffray, E., Brinkmann, K.-T., Dosovitskiy, G., Cova, F., Fedorov, A., Gundacker, S., Kazlou, D., Korjik, M., Kratochwil, N., Ladygin, V., Mechinsky, V., Moritz, M., Nargelas, S., Novotny, R. W., Orsich, P., Salomoni, M., Talochka, Y., Tamulaitis, G., Vaitkevicius, A., Vedda, A., Zaunick, H.-G. Multipurpose Ce-doped Ba-Gd silica glass scintillator for radiation measurement. Nucl. Instr. Meth. Phys. Res. A. 2021, 1015, 165762 ().

Lithuania-Japan bilateral collaboration project. Development of GaN Optical Microresonators with Polarity Inversion (GANOMPI). Dr R. Tomašiūnas. 2021–2023.

The research purpose of this project is to develop new GaN optical microresonators with polarity inversion for the VIS and near-IR spectra range.

Lithuanian–Belarus research project. Silicon-Germanium Novel Alloys for Creation of Radiation-Hard Semiconductor Devices (S-LB-19-1). Dr T. Čeponis. 2019–2020.

H2020-MSCA-ITN Marie Skladowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks: Using the Smart Matrix Approach to Enhance TADF-OLED Efficiency and Lifetime (TADF-life). Prof. S. A. Juršėnas, Dr K. Kazlauskas. 2018–2022.

The project is aimed to maximize TADF OLED efficiency and, critically, lifetime simultaneously. Addressing such a multifaceted and complex issue is of critical importance to the development of the OLED industry (11 partners).

Main publication:

Rodella, F., Saxena, R., Bagnich, S., Banevičius, D., Kreiza, G., Athanasopoulos, S., Juršėnas, S. A., Kazlauskas, K., Köhler, A., Strohriegl, P. Low Efficiency Roll-off Blue TADF OLEDs Employing a Novel Acridine–Pyrimidine Based High Triplet Energy Host. J. Mater. Chem. C. 2021, 9(48): 17471–17482.

European Space Agency (ESA). Antimicrobial Photoinactivation Approach Based on Natural Agents for Control of Bacteria Biofilms in Spacecraft. Feasibility study. PECS 5 call. Dr I. Buchovec and Dr P. Vitta. 2020–2021.

Most of the bacteria are found living in communities known as biofilms. Microbial biofilms are widespread in nature and human environment. They can be found in industrial places, food facilities, water systems, bathrooms, labs, hospitals and also in the space crafts. Enhanced and accelerated bacterial biofilm formation at spacecraft is an old and fundamental problem, dangerous for human health equipment and safety systems. Biofilms are less susceptible to antibiotics, disinfectant chemicals, physical stress and human immune system. However, the most of popular physical, chemical and mechanical biofilms control methods (e.g., nanoparticles, chemical sanitizers, bacteriophages, high hydrostatic pressure, plasma etc.) applied for controlling biofilm formation and for inactivation of them are not efficient and ecologically friendly, especially in closed-loop systems like space crafts. Thus novel environmentally friendly biofilm control approaches are prospective and have to be developed. In this feasibility study, we seek to research more deeply the effects and possible applications of antibiotic-free photosensitization based technology on biofilms, their integrity, and vitality. We are going to focus on environment, health and safety friendly natural agents (photosensitizers (PS)), which could participate in closed-loop systems (expected in space facilities). We propose combining antimicrobial photoinactivation on biofilm control to obtain a synergistic effect at low PS and irradiation doses.

COST, CA19111 European Network on Future Generation Optical Wireless Communication Technologies. Dr A. Zabiliūtė-Karaliūnė, Dr P. Vitta. 2020–2024.

European TD COST Action CA17126 towards Understanding and Modelling Intense Electronic Excitation (TUMIEE). MC member from Lithuania Prof. G. Tamulaitis. 2019–2022.
TUMIEE aims at establishing an interdisciplinary network that brings together experts from different fields of interest to develop models of intense electronic excitations.

COST CA16220 European Network for High-Performance Integrated Microwave Photonics (EUIMWP). MC member from Lithuania Dr R. Tomašiūnas. 2017–2021.

The European Network for High-Performance Integrated Microwave Photonics (EUIMWP) Action aims to deliver a portfolio of technological benchmarking to establish performance indicators defining future technological requirements in high-performance scenarios such as 5G, automotive, and aerospace technologies. Integrated microwave photonics (IMWP) seeks to address energy efficiency, flexibility, and scalability, and, as a result, high volume application, by incorporating the IMWP systems into photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Contractual Research

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (USA). Contractual project Measurements of Carrier Lifetimes in Diamond under an Applied Electrical Field. Dr V. Grivickas. 2020–2021.

The effort comprises the implementation of experimental means to characterize carrier transport under an applied electric field in a semiconductor structure. Measurements and modelling of carrier transport at different electric fields are used to elucidate different experimental and material constraints. The work is based on the pump-probe and other appropriate characterization methods.

MITA High Technology Development Project Prototype of Antimicrobial Photoinactivation for Protection against the Fungi Phytopathogens in Greenhouses. (AFIP). 2021–2022.

Greenhouses used in agriculture protect from the weather hardships but create the environment ideal for fungi pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop prototype system of antimicrobial photoianctivation, suitable for the industrial applications for the protection against the fungi phytopathogens. Natural environmentally-safe photosensitive chemical compounds together with proper artificial illumination for excitation are employed for antimicrobial effect. The prototype intended to be developed is a continuation of the comprehensive research carried out at Vilnius University. Two industrial partners will help to develop an industrial prototype, to test and demonstrate it in a real farm and to prepare for market entrance. It is planned to start from the already available model and finish with the prototype demonstration in an industrial strawberry farm. 

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Acros Organics B.V.B.A. (Belgium)
Advinus Therapeutics PVT Ltd. (India)
Aixtron AG (Germany)
Alfa Aesar, Avocado Research Chemicals Ltd. (UK)
Alfa Aesar GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)
Alkali Metals Ltd. (India)
Apollo Scientific Ltd. (UK)
AppliChem GmbH (Germany)
Austin Chemical Company, Inc. (USA)
BCH Research L.L.P. (USA)
BCR GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)
Belarussian State University (Belarus)
Centre of Organic Electronics and Photonics Research, Kyushu University (Japan)
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Chemosyntha N.V. (Belgium)
Chukan Butsu Ltd. (Japan)
CM Fine Chemicals GmbH (Switzerland)
CMS Chemicals Ltd. (UK)
Crystal Clear Collaboration (RD18) at CERN
DKSH Switzerland Ltd. (Switzerland)
Durham University (UK)
Elite Inter-Chem FZC (United Arab Emirates)
Fraunhofer ISC (Germany)
Frinton Laboratories, Inc. (USA)
IMEC (Belgium)
Institute of High Pressure Physics (Poland)
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (India)
IQE plc (USA)
JSC Ledigma (Lithuania)
JSC Gaudrė (Lithuania)
JSC MKDS (Lithuania)
JSC Tikslioji sintezė (Lithuania)
Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
Kindchem (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. (China)
KISCO Deutschland GmbH (Germany)
KISCO Tokyo Ltd. (Japan)
Korea University (South Korea)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (USA)
MBraun Inertgas-Systeme GmbH (Germany)
Merck KGaA (Germany)
Mirae Interchem Co. Ltd. (South Korea)
MIT, Nanoelectronics Laboratory (USA)
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) (Japan)
National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS) (Japan)
Niche Materials Ltd. (UK)
Organica Feinchemie GmbH Wolfen (Germany)
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors (Germany)
Panslavia Chemicals LLC (USA)
Paul Sabatier University (Toulouse, France)
Picosun Oy (Finland)
PPW "AWAT" Spolka z o. o (Poland)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy NY, USA)
Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
Sensor Electronic Technology Inc. (USA)
Sigma-Aldrich Logistik GmbH (Germany)
Sumitomo Shoji Chemicals Co. Ltd. (Japan)
Synthon Chemicals GmbH & Co.KG (Germany)
Taiwan National University
TCI Europe NV (Belgium)
TOPGAN (Poland)
Translucent Inc. (USA)
UCB Pharma SA (Belgium)
Ukrorgsyntez Ltd. (Ukraine)
University of Alicante (Spain)
University of Bayreuth (Germany)
University of Bordeaux (France)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Dr V. Bikbajevas –

Dr V. Grivickas –

Prof. S. A. Juršėnas –

Prof. G. Tamulaitis –

Dr R. Tomašiūnas –

  • member of the Technical Committee 73 Nanotechnologies, Lithuanian Standards Board;
  • member of the Lithuanian Material Research Society (LtMRS),
    http://www.ltmrs.lt/lt/nariai/;
  • editorial board member of the journal Science and Technology Indonesia,
    Editorial Team | Science and Technology Indonesia (sciencetechindonesia.com).


LASER RESEARCH CENTER

Saulėtekio al. 10, LT-10223 Vilnius
Tel. 236 60 50
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Aidas Matijošius

STAFF

Professors: Dr Habil. V. Sirutkaitis, Dr Habil. R. Rotomskis, Dr A. Dubietis, Dr G. Valiulis, Dr S. Bagdonas, Dr M. Vengris, Dr M. Malinauskas, Dr A. Matijošius, Dr Habil. A. Piskarskas (emeritus), Dr Habil. A. Stabinis (emeritus), Dr Habil. V. Smilgevičius (emeritus).
Research professors: Dr A. Varanavičius, Dr V. Vaičaitis, Dr A. Melninkaitis.
Associate professors: Dr O. Balachninaitė, Dr V. Jarutis, D V. Tamulienė, Dr D. Paipulas, Dr R. Butkus, Dr G. Tamošauskas, Dr V. Jukna.
Senior researcher: Dr R. Grigonis.
Researchers: Dr V. Karenauskaitė, Dr D. Kaškelytė, Dr S.Paipulienė, Dr M. Peckus, Dr V. Purlys, Dr J. Vengelis, Dr A. Kalnaitytė, D. S. Butkus.
Lecturer: J. Jurkienė.
Engineer: A. Čiburys.
Doctoral students: L. Jonušauskas, R. Šuminas, L. Smalakys, A. Marcinkevičiūtė, S. Varapnickas, B. Momgaudis, G. Kontenis, D. Samsonas, D. Buožius, E. Skliutas, A. Butkutė, R. Grigutis, L. Rimkus M. Kuliešaitė, M. Plūkys, M. Riauka, D. Stonytė, J. Skruibis, J. Banys (from October 2021), V. Marčiulionytė (from October 2021), E. Atkočaitis (from October 2021), M. Mačiulis (from October 2021), V. C. Manikas (from October 2021), A. Solovjovas (from October 2021).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Study of interaction of high power ultrashort light pulses with transparent media
Development of effective light frequency convertors and light pulse sources with the duration of few optical cycles and stable carrier-envelope phase
Study of femtosecond light filaments and generation of supercontinuum in transparent dielectrics
Development of new technologies for biomedical and industrial applications based on specific interaction of ultrashort light pulses with matter, enabling high precision material processing by surface and bulk modification
Development of optical methods of biomedical diagnostics and extension of application areas
In vivo and in vitro studies of spectral and photophysical properties of biologically active molecules and nanostructures aiming at optimisation of therapy and diagnostics
Imaging and spectroscopy of biologic objects
Nonlinear optics of ultrashort pulses
Ultrafast spectroscopy of photoactive molecules, nanostructures and semiconductors
Damage in bulk materials and coatings induced by femtosecond pulses
Optics characterization including reflection/transmission, scattering as well as absorption and laser-induced optical damage threshold in wide spectral range
Peculiarities of ultrafast exciton dynamics at reduced dimension in self-assembled molecular nanostructures and quantum dots
Laser micro- /nano-scale additive manufacturing of functional 3D structures
High intensity ultrashort pulse generation by OPCPA systems
Time-resolved digital holography
Radial/azimuthal polarization beams, Bessel beams and optical vortices
Optical and SEM characterization of 3D microstructures

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2021

The ELI ERIC consortium (European Consortium for Research Infrastructures (ERIC) for Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI)) was established by Lithuania along with the founders of two international powerful laser centres in the Czech Republic and Hungary, which were later joined by Italy. Lithuania will be represented in the ELI ERIC consortium by Vilnius University Laser Research Center (VULRC). The Republic of Lithuania as a Founding member of ELI ERIC with rights and obligations Prof. Aidas Matijošius, Director of Vilnius University Laser Research Center.

Monograph. S. H. Ng, M. Malinauskas, S. Juodkazis. 3D Subtractive Printing with Ultrashort Laser Pulses. In: Handbook of Laser Micro- and Nano-Engineering, K. Sugioka (ed.), Springer Nature Switzerland. 2021, pp. 1–23.

Monograph. S. Varapnickas, J. Maksimovic, M. Malinauskas, S. Juodkazis. 3D Subtractive/Additive Printing with Ultrashort Laser Pulses: A Matured Technology. In: Sugioka K. (eds) Handbook of Laser Micro- and Nano-Engineering. Springer, Cham. 2021, pp. 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69537-2_66-1.

Grineviciute, L., Babayigit, C., Gailevičius, D., Peckus, M., Turduev, M., Tolenis, T., Vengris, M., Kurt, H., Staliunas, K. Nanostructured Multilayer Coatings for Spatial Filtering. Advanced Optical Materials. 2021, 10: 2001730.

Skliutas, E., Lebedevaite, M., Kabouraki, E., Baldacchini, T., Ostrauskaite, J., Vamvakaki, M., Farsari, M., Juodkazis, S. and Malinauskas, M. Polymerization mechanisms initiated by spatio-temporally confined light. Nanophotonics. 2021, 10: 1211–1242.

Balachninaitė, O., Tamulienė, V., Eičas, L., Vaičaitis, V. Laser micromachining of steel and copper using femtosecond laser pulses in GHz burst mode. Results in Physics. 2021, 22: 103847.

Skliutas, E., Lebedevaite, M., Kabouraki, E., Baldacchini, T., Ostrauskaite, J., Vamvakaki, M., Farsari, M., Juod-kazis, S., Malinauskas, M. Photopolymerization mechanisms at spatio-temporally ultra-confined light. Nanopho-tonics. 2021, 10(4): 1211–1242. 10.1515/nanoph-2020-0551.

R. Budriūnas. Multistage parametric light amplification method and multistage amplifier, European patent request EP20192311.7.

V. Vaičaitis, O. Balachninaitė, A. Matijošius. Method and system for the plasma density measurements using broadband electromagnetic pulses of terahertz frequency, LT2021 568, patent request 28 October 2021.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Study of Fundamental Ultrafast Processes in Laser and Nonlinear Optical Systems. Lead. Researcher - Prof. A .Dubietis. 2018–2021.

Supercontinuum (SC) generation in CaF2 crystal under tight and loose focusing of 150 fs, 515 nm second harmonic pulses from an amplified Yb:KGW laser at a repetition rate of 10 kHz is investigated experimentally and numerically. It is demonstrated that SC generation geometry applying loose focusing (NA=0.004) of the pump beam into a long (25 mm) sample is advantageous in terms of SC spectral extent and durability of damage-free operation of the nonlinear material as compared to a commonly used tight focusing setup. More specifically, loose focusing into a long sample showed remarkably longer (20 min) damage-free operation of the nonlinear material, while in tight focusing condition the sample is damaged just within 2 min of operation, leading to a complete extinction of the SC spectrum. The evolution of optical degradation of the nonlinear material in time and its impact to SCspectrum is studied in terms of filament-induced luminescence due to self-trapped exciton emission and light scattering at the pump wavelength indicating the onset of optical damage.

Main publications:

Kuliešaitė, M., Jarutis, V., Pimpė, J., Vengelis, J. Partially coherent UV–VIS light generation in photonic crystal fiber using femtosecond pulses. Results in Physics. 2021, 31: 104965.

Smalakys, L., Melninkaitis, A. Predicting lifetime of optical components with Bayesian inference. Optics Express. 2021, 29: 903–915.

Tamulienė, V., Buožius, D., Vaičaitis, V. Plasma-assisted temporal shifts of bichromatic femtosecond laser pulses in air. Physical Review A. 2021, 103: 033502.

Virtually all optical materials degrade over time when they are used in high average power or intensity optical systems. Extrapolation of optical components lifetime is crucial in such applications in order to avoid downtime or project failure. We have developed the Bayesian lifetime analysis approach based on maximum a posteriori probability(MAP) estimation for the analysis of S-on-1 laser-induced damage fatigue experiments. Lifetime distribution for the simplest case of degenerate defect ensemble was derived and statistical log-normal distribution was suggested as an approximation for lifetime distribution of power law defects. MAP estimation produced more accurate and repeatable extrapolation results as compared to the standard extrapolation approach for all simulated S-on-1 protocols due to correct treatment of censored observations. Credible HPD intervals retrieved from single S-on-1 experiment using MAP estimation correlated with uncertainties resulting from both the S-on-1 test protocol (different damage detection mechanisms) as well as the statistical nature of damage (different defect densities).
Lifetime prediction of material modification mode for HR dielectric coating was performed at two application fluence values using interval-censored experimental S-on-1 results that could not be interpreted with standard approach. The lifetime was estimated for applications at 1 J/cm2 (median value of 2.9 million laser pulses with 95% credible HPD interval of 0.1–10.5 million laser pulses) and 0.5 J/cm2 (median value of o 34.0 million laser pulses with 95% credible HPD interval of 0.7–175.7 million laser pulses).

Main publication:

Smalakys, L. Melninkaitis, A. Predicting lifetime of optical components with Bayesian inference. Opt. Express. 2021, 29: 903–915.

The fundamental vibrational- rotational resonances of many materials are located in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral range 2–20 μm (500–5,000 cm−1). Thus, mid-IR short-pulsed sources are essential tools for various spectroscopic methods for investigating ultrafast processes in matter and interfaces between different materials.
We have demonstrated a setup for generating broadband and broadly tunable mid-IR pulses starting from an Yb-doped amplified laser system, based on mixing the outputs of two optical parametric amplifiers in a GaSe crystal. The carefully selected combination of OPA wavelengths and DFG crystal allows us to generate pulses tunable in the broad range of 2.5–15 μm, with sub-70 fs durations through a tuning range of 2.5–10μm, while achieving sub-3-cycle (31 fs) pulse duration at 3.4 μm and near-single-cycle (46 fs) pulse durations around 10 μm with minimal dispersion adjustments. Despite the relatively complex two-channel architecture, we have demonstrated that the system maintains sub-1% power stability for multiple hours and maintains stable spectral parameters.
We expect the source to be useful for various spectroscopic applications in the mid-IR.

Main publication:

Budriunas, R., Jurkus, K., Varanavicius, A. Yb-laser-based sub-60fs Mid-Infrared Source Tunable from 2.5mm to 10 mm Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe and European Quantum Electronics Conference. CLEO/Europe-EQEC. 2021,172135.

Development of Laser Technologies for Industrial and Biomedical Applications. Lead. Researcher Prof. M. Malinauskas. 2018–2021.

Study on the manufacturing of glass true 3D micro-optics. The test of feasibility by producing individual elements such as lenses, prisms, gratings of free-form geometries and prove the potential of integration into monolith stacked components is carried out. This can be achieved by combining ultrafast laser 3D nanolithography and subsequent application of thermal post-treatment (calcination) - a novel approach introduced for additive manufacturing of inorganics. The laser made pristine microoptical components are preserving their predefined shape and material is converted from hybrid polymer to glass corresponding to its inherent refractive index and transparency. This approach enables both realization of complex geometries and required material properties at the same time.

Measurement of refractive index for microoptical elements and components in situ using various techniques. The development of novel light structuring methods for their impactful applications in communications, laser material processing or 3D micromanipulation. For some time bulky spatial light modulators have been a primary choice for tailored light fields generation, but now are being replaced by all-dielectric meta surfaces. Various techniques including e-beam lithography, focused ion beam milling or laser nano-inscription in fused silica for geometric phase micro-optical elements (GPOE) manufacturing are investigated and compared. Even the combination of the additive 3D structuring and the subtractive subwavelength resolution patterning is considered. A fabricating of GPOE via laser direct write (LDW) 3D nanolithography as an efficient way to produce highly integratable micro-devices, since they can be stacked with other polymer optical components, mounted on glass/crystal substrates, dielectric thin film membranes, fibertips or even left free-floating is proposed. Using SZ2080 prepolymer doped with polymerization quencher (2(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (20% wt.)) leads to further increase in structuring resolution– up to 24% thinner lines written using same pulse energy for a wide range of exposition regimes.

A study of wavelength for the laser direct writing 3D multi-photon micro-/nano-lithography. These new experimental data investigate different mechanisms involved in spatio-temporally confined light-matter interaction resulting into the controlled photopolymerization applied for 3D printing. Single-photon, two-photon, three-photon absorption, photo- and avalanche ionization, as well as heat accumulation. We reveal different linear and nonlinearinitiation processes being involved. The individual voxel’s shapes and scaling of line widths are studied individually and by optimizing the exposure parameters the final 3D fabricated object can be obtained at very different conditions.

Main publications:

G.-Hernandez, D.-L., Varapnickas, S., Merkininkaite, G., Ciburys, A., Gailevicius, D., Sakirzanovas, S., Juod-kazis, S., Malinauskas, M. Laser 3D printing of inorganic free-form micro-optics. Photonics. 2021, 8(12): 577. 10.3390/photonics8120577.

Varapnickas, S., Thodika, S. C., Morote, F., Juodkazis, S., Malinauskas, M. and Brasselet, E. Birefringentoptical retarders from laser 3D-printed dielectric metasurfaces. Appl. Phys. Lett., 118: 151104. 10.1063/5.0046978.

The photoinduced transformations of a hematoporphyrin-type photosensitizer (Hp-type PS) were chosen as a model system to monitor the effects of L-ascorbic acid (AscA) on oxygen-dependent photoreactions in aqueous model solutions of different pH. The role of the ascorbate radical in photoreactions initiated by Hp-type PS, as well as on mutual activity in samples containing a bovine serum albumin (BSA), including participation in Type I reactions, was studied by performing the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy measurements on the mixed aqueous solutions poured into capillary tubes of a carefully selected diameter, both in the dark and under illumination with a laser beam in the absence of additional trapping molecules. The strong interaction between BSA and porphyrins was determined as a main factor in the observed photoreactions, not only boosting the photooxidation and photoreduction pathways, but also leading to the enhanced photoactivity in combination with AscA, especially, in acidic medium.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania programme Implementing World-class R&D Project: Photonic Technologies of the Future: Extreme Light Sources and their Applications (No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0014 ). Prof. M. Vengris. 2018–2021.

Project goal is to develop the industry-ready extreme light technologies employing novel nonlinear optical schemes, capable of generating high-energy, few-optical-cycles octave-spanning pulses in the VIS-nIR-midIR spectral range, based on applied research, enabling the reliability of the developed photonic devices.

Main publication:

Smalakys, L. and Melninkaitis, A. Predicting lifetime of optical components with Bayesian inference. Opt. Express. 2021, 29: 903–915.

European Regional Development Fund, Research Council of Lithuania project: Investigation of Laser Matter Interaction with High Frequency Pulse Burst Which are Generated by a Controllable Pulse Generator (01.2.2-LMT-K-718-02-0017). Dr V. Jukna. 2018–2021.

Project goal is the investigation of ultrafast laser-matter interactions in transparent solid-state materials with high pulse repetition rates.

Main publications:

Marčiulionytė, V., Jukna, V., Tamošauskas, G., Dubietis, A. High repetition rate green-pumped supercontinuum generation in calcium fluoride. Scientific Reports. 2021, 11: 15019.

Šuminienė, A. Jukna, V. Šuminas, R. Tamošauskas, G. Dubietis, A. Femtosecond infrared supercontinuum generation in 6H-SiC crystal. OSA Continuum. 2021, 4: 911–917.

Grigutis, R., Jukna, V., Navickas, M., Tamošauskas, G., Staliūnas, K., Dubietis, A. Conical third harmonic generation from volume nanogratings induced by filamentation of femtosecond pulses in transparent bulk materials. Optics Express. 2021, 29: 40633–40642.

European Regional Development Fund, Research Council of Lithuania project: Polarimetric Nonlinear Optical Microscopy for Biomedical Research and Cancer Diagnostics (01.2.2-LMT-K-718-02-0016). Prof. Dr V. Barzda. 2018–2021.

Project goals are: to develop a new nonlinear polarimetric multimodal microscopy setup and new image analysis methods and apply for histological imaging of tissues of various organs and tumour grades; to develop novel nonlinear labels and tissue labelling methods to enhance cancer detection and treatment.

Main publication:

Abramavicius, D., Krouglov, S. and Barzda, V. Second harmonic generation theory for a helical macromolecule with high sensitivity to structural disorder. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 2021, 23(36): 20201–20217.

Research Council of Lithuania. Development of New Characterization Methods of the Plasma Induced by Femtosecond Laser Pulses (FemtoPlasma) (No. S-MIP-19-46). Dr V. Vaičaitis. 2019–2022.

The main objective of this project is to investigate plasma, both in air and on the surface of solids, created by femtosecond laser pulses and to develop new methods and technologies for its characterization. For the accurate plasma characterization we have used, to the best of our knowledge, a previously unreported and unused method based on time resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. Plasma strongly absorbs radiation with frequencies less than that of the plasma frequency and, conversely, is transparent to higher frequency radiation. Therefore the interaction of such plasma with THz pulses of broader spectrum than that of the plasma frequency allowed a direct and accurate determination of plasma electron density. In addition, temporal delay control between the plasma inducing and probing laser pulses have been used to determine plasma ionization and recombination rates. In addition, the influence of the laser-created plasma on the efficiency of third harmonic and THz radiation generation has been investigated.

Main publication:

Tamulienė, V., Buožius, D. and Vaičaitis, V. Plasma-assisted temporal shifts of bichromatic femtosecond laser pulses in air. Phys. Rev. A. 2021, 103(3): 033502.

Research Council of Lithuania. Click Dual-Cured Plant-Derived Polymers for Laser 3D Meso-Scale Structuring (CDCmeso3D) (No. S-MIP-20-17). Together with KTU, Prof. M. Malinauskas as for VU part. 2020–2022.

The aim is to develop a click dual-curing technology for production of novel polymeric materials from plant-derived monomers, using photoinduced and/or combination of photoinduced and thermally activated reactions, applicable for laser 3D meso-scale structuring. For the achievement of the goal, the investigation of various plant-derived monomer polymerization by different click methods and selection of optimal ones for dual-curing technology, optimization of click dual-curing resin formulations and curing conditions, characterization of resulted polymers and investigation of their properties will be carried out. The selected click dual-curing systems will be tested via laser 3D structuring in meso-scale and optimized. The state-of-the-art optical characterization of 3D microstructures will be performed. The feasibility test in industrial line conditions will be carried out.

Main publication:

Grauzeliene, S., Navaruckiene, A., Skliutas, E., Malinauskas, M., Serra, A. and Ostrauskaite, J. Vegetable Oil-Based Thiol-Ene/Thiol-Epoxy Resins for Laser Direct Writing 3D Micro-/Nano-Lithography. Polymers. 2021, 13: 872. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/polym13060872.

Research Council of Lithuania. Laser 3D Nanostructuring Via Super-Resolution Methods (SUPERSMALL) (No. P-MIP-21-393). Dr V. Purlys. 2021–2024.

Direct laser writing (DLW) is an important scientific and now industrial tool allowing the fabrication of state-of-the-art 3D components used in great variety of applications. The DLW involves several of fabrication technologies, including multiphoton polymerization (MPP) or selective glass etching (SLE). Here we propose the usage of 4Pi super-resolution method together with DLW to significantly enhance the fabrication resolution of the DLW method. The 4Pi excitation method is well known in microscopy, where it is already successfully used for this purpose. The same principles of microscopy are also valid for DLW The implementers of this project very recently published a first proof-of-concept publication demonstrating 4Pi excitation combined with MPP. Therefore, the project's main objective is a further development of this idea, answering various important technological and physical questions. The results of this project would be an initiation of broad range of DLW technologies sharing the 4Pi excitation principle and leading to a wide spectrum of applications.

European Regional Development Fund, Research Council of Lithuania project: The Development of Femtosecond Laser Microprocessing in UV Range (01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0029). Dr D. Paipulas. 2020–2023.

Project goals are research and development of femtosecond laser micromachining technologies in UV spectral range: this includes designing optical systems and optomechanical components for UV laser applications; developing new micromachining technologies for surface patterning of dielectrics and non-dielectrics in UV; designing new photonic components using UV laser microfabrication techniques and research of microcutting strategies with UV fs lasers in thermo-sensitive materials.

European Regional Development Fund, Research Council of Lithuania project: Development and Investigation of Novel Optical Parametric Generators: towards Subnanosecond Pulses (01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0004). Dr J. Vengelis. 2020–2023.

The aim of the project is to develop commercialization ready optical parametric generator technologies for generation of subnanosecond pulses in the VIS and NIR spectral range based on the nonlinear optics methods. Research related to the aim of the project includes investigation of optical parametric generation in the VIS and NIR spectral range in various nonlinear media pumped by subnanosecond pulses and creation of OPG for generation of subnanosecond pulses in this spectral range.

Main publication:

Kuliešaitė, M., Jarutis, V., Pimpė, J., Vengelis, J. Partially coherent UV–VIS light generation in photonic crystal fiber using femtosecond pulses. Results in Physics. 2021, 31: 104965, 1–5.

Research Council of Lithuania. Student Practical Research Activities:

Third harmonic generation by formation of nanogratings in the volume of transparent crystalline materials. 2020–2021. Student M. Navickas, supervisor Prof. A. Dubietis.
Ultraviolet supercontinuum generation in calcium fluoride near the optical damage threshold. 2020–2021. Student V. Marčiulionytė, supervisor Dr G. Tamošauskas.
Terahertz radiation generation in air plasma induced by the femtosecond pulses of Yb:KGW laser. 2021. Student Giedrius Balčas, supervisor Dr V. Vaičaitis.
Development and characterization of periodically modulated structures, suitable for the polarization of terahertz radiation. 2021–2022. Student Giedrius Balčas, supervisor Dr V. Vaičaitis.
Formation of periodic surface structures in transparent materials with broadly tunable femtosecond laser pulses. 2021–2022. Student M. Navickas, supervisor Prof. A. Dubietis.

Student EuroPhotonics International Master Program Research Activity Measurement of RI for 3D microelements. 2021. Student: Diana Laura Gonzalez Hernandez (EuroPhotonics network, 1 year hosting at Vilnius University Laser Research Center), supervisor Prof. M. Malinauskas.

International Research Projects

7FP Project: Integrated European Laser Laboratories V (LASERLAB-Europe V). 2019–2023.
The Vilnius University represented by Laser Research Centre is member of LASERLAB-EUROPE V was involved in two joint research activities (JRA) - PRImary and SEcondary Sources (PRISES) and Advanced Laser-based Techniques for Imaging and Spectroscopy in material science and biomedicine (ALTIS), networking and providing of the Transnational Access.
With JRA PRISES, LASERLAB-EUROPE invests in frontier laser technology and laser science by focusing on strategic advances that are critical for short-pulse, high-power lasers and their secondary sources of particles and radiation. It is based on three interconnected and strategic objectives where 28 partners jointly pursue, in total, 14 focused tasks.
Vilnius University Laser Research Center is taking part in primary laser source development and metrology by investigating laser-induced damage threshold measurements and aging effect of optical components in high repetition rate lasers as well as in the mid-IR laser development.
In the JRA ALTIS, LASERLAB-EUROPE addresses the needs of new and innovative workstations, methodologies and platforms for advanced imaging and spectroscopy in, for example biomedicine, bio- and nano-materials and environmental science. This JRA is based on four interconnected and strategic objectives, where 20 partners jointly pursue, in total, nine focused tasks. Vilnius University Laser Research Center is taking part in platforms for imaging, detection and manipulation of biological samples at the molecular and cellular scale. Laser Research Center together with partners are making joint efforts to provide innovative platforms to manipulate and image single cells. Researchers from photopolymerization laboratory are combining direct laser 3D writing and imaging into a single workstation. A direct laser writing 3D nanolithography tool will be used to create and fabricate micro-optical, nano-photonic devices and micro-mechanical components that will be integrated in situ into sample for imaging, spectroscopic measurement and assisting optical tweezers. The other partners of Laserlab-Europe V project will directly benefit from the ascribed instrumentations. At VU Laser Research Center micromechanical components for sample handling and micro-/nano-porous 3D foam targets for high intensity light-matter interaction into the setups developed by the other partners are fabricated.

Transnational access visit:

Visit of Warsaw University professor Ryszard Buczyński in the frame of the international project LASERLAB-Europe V. The aim of the visit was to investigate IR supercontinuum generated in highly nonlinear optical fibres. It was found that in some fibres the low energy femtosecond laser pulses with the wavelength of about 1 micrometer may induce a strong IR supercontinuum spanning from 800 to 1900 nm.

EU InterReg project: A Network of Service Providers for Eco-Innovations ECOLABNET (VU with VAMK Ltd. University of Applied Sciences (Muova), Finland, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, University of Tartu (UTartu), Estonia, Czestochowa University of Technology (CUT), Poland, VIA University College (VIA), Denmark, Vilnius University (VU), Lithuania, Centria University of Applied Sciences Ltd (Centria), Finland, Lithuanian Business Confederation, Lithuania, Sustainable Innovation, Sweden, Labsamera MB, Lithuania, Estrotech Ltd, Estonia), project part coordinator Prof. M. Malinauskas. 2019–2021.

The main objective of the project is to boost sustainable innovations in Baltic Sea Region by utilizing unique capacity of product-service system design, additive manufacturing and new materials. The project will establish a platform for knowledge exchange between innovation laboratories as well as stimulate passion for ecological innovation in BSR region.

The ECOLABNET sustainable innovations utilize bio-based materials, additive manufacturing, and life-cycle services, which integrate product-service system designers, material researchers, technology providers and business developers for collaboration. In addition, customer-oriented approach focuses on the development resources of competitive and desirable solutions, which will enhance market uptake of innovations. The Project will demonstrate capabilities of the network by developing several demonstrators.

Main publication:

Skliutas, E., Lebedevaite, M., Kabouraki, E., Baldacchini, T., Ostrauskaite, J., Vamvakaki, M., Farsari, M., Juod-kazis, S., Malinauskas, M. Photopolymerization mechanisms at spatio-temporally ultra-confined light. Nanophotonics. 2021, 10(4): 1211–1242. 10.1515/nanoph-2020-0551.

Contractual Research

Outsourcing long-term contracts:

Characterization of diffractive optical elements and microstructures in transparent materials using profilometer and SEM, Customer – Femtika, 2021.
Measurement and inspection of laser induced damage threshold, research of optical elements quality, Customer - Lidaris, 2021.
Characterization of optical elements, Customer - Light Conversion, 2021.

Outsourcing contracts:

Measurements of voltage dependent Pockels cell optical contrast, Customer – EKSMA Optics, UAB, January 2021.
Measurement of microfluidics grating height, Customer - DropletGenomics, 2021-01.
Measurements of titanium and stainless steel cuvettes surface roughness, Customer – VU, Faculty of medicine, February 2021.
Measurements of temperature dependent Pockels cell optical contrast, Customer – EKSMA Optics, UAB, March 2021.
Expertise of laser beam focusing system design and development, Customer - MB Cyber POD, 2021-04
Fabrication of samples using principles of nanophotonics, Customer – UAB Altechna R&D, May 2021.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Swinburne University of Technology, Centre for Micro-Photonics (H34) (Australia)
UPC (Universitat Politechnica de Catalunya), Departament de Fisica i Enginyeria Nuclear (Spain)
Institut Fresnel-CNRS UMR 7249-Equipe ILM, Escole Centrale Marseille-Aix Marseille Universite (France)
Light Conversion, Ltd. (Lithuania)
CNISM and Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, University of Insubria (Italy)
University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Warsaw (Poland)
University of Bordeaux, Laboratoire Ondes et Matière d’Aquitaine (LOMA) (France)
University of Sheffield, Department of Materials Science and Engineering (UK)
Belarusian State University, Research Institute of Physical Chemical Problems, Minsk (Belarus)
Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University of Hannover, D30167 Hannover, Germany
Shizuoka University, Research Institute of Electronics (Japan)
Foundation for Research and Technology (Greece)
Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Lab of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (PR China)
Faculty of Science, University of Auckland (New Zealand)
Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga (Canada)
National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Biological Research Center (Hungary)
Stanford Nano Shared Facilities, Stanford University (USA)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. M. Malinauskas –

  • associate editor of the Optics Express (OSA);
  • Scientific Committee member of the Photonics West (SPIE);
  • associate editor of the Opto-Electronics Advances.

Prof. V. Sirutkaitis –

  • Technical Program Committee Member at the International Conference on Pacific Rim Laser Damage, SPIE-PLD/TFPA, 19–22 May, 2019, Qingdao, China.

Dr A. Melninkaitis –

  • Scientific Committee Member at SPIE Laser Damage.

Prof. A. Dubietis –

  • associate editor of the Lithuanian Journal of Physics (Lithuanian Academy of Sciences).

Dr A. Varanavicius –

  • member of ELI ERIC International Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (ISTAC).

Prof. A. Matijošius –

  • delegate to the ELI ERIC General Assemblies.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES

  • President of Lithuania awarded Ričardas Rotomskis the Officer’s Cross of the Order of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas.
  • S. Varapnickas and M. Malinauskas awarded in the category of the best publications in the fields of Physical, Biomedical and Technological Sciences: Processes of laser direct writing 3D nanolithography. In: Handbook of Laser Micro- and Nano-engineering. Koji Sugioka (ed.). 2020, 1–31. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-69537-2_32-1.
  • Professor Mikas Vengris was awarded as the best lecturer 2021at Faculty of Physics.
  • Dr Remis Gaška scholarship for the best bachelor’s thesis was awarded to Jokūbas Pimpė, a graduate of the Light Technology Program.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES

  • Prof. Dr Habil. R. Rotomskis - Deputy Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania, Chairman of the Committee on Natural and Technical Sciences
  • Dr M. Malinauskas - member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences - Young Academy
  • Prof. A. Dubietis - member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
  • Prof. V. Sirutkaitis - member of the Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences of the Research Council of Lithuania
  • Dr O. Balachninaitė - member of the Access board of the Laserlab-Europe V
  • Prof. V. Sirutkaitis - member of the HiLASE Facility Access Panel (www.hilase.cz)
  • Prof. A. P. Piskarskas - Honorary chairman of Lithuanian Laser Association
  • Dr A. Melninkaitis - member of the board of Lithuanian Laser Association
  • Prof. A. Matijošius - member of the board of Lithuanian Laser Association

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

  • Ongoing consultations with UAB “3D Creative” regarding optical printing of bioresins and polypropylene materials.
  • Consultations with Workshop of Photonics regarding laser 3D polymerization of bioresins R&D experiments.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS OF RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

  • M. Malinauskas. Laser 3D nanomanufacturing of renewable organics and pure inorganics via multiphotonlithography. CALEO, San Diego, October 18–21, 2021.
  • M. Malinauskas. Laser Multiscale 3D Lithography of Plant Based Resins, OSA Lasers Congress, Toronto, October 03–07, 2021.
  • M. Malinauskas. Ultrafast laser additive manufacturing: plant based organic and crystalline inorganic 3Dnanostructures. Ultrafast Light, Moscow, October 4–8, 2021.
  • M. Malinauskas. Mesoscale laser 3D printing for advanced biofabrication. CLEO EU, Munich, June 21–24, 2021.
  • M. Malinauskas. Laser lithography for bioprinting: from 3D scaffolds to plant based resins, CLEO US, San Jose, May 9–14, 2021.
  • R. Grigutis, M. Navickas, G. Tamošauskas, V. Jukna, K. Staliūnas, A. Dubietis. Conical third harmonic generation due to multipulse optical damage of transparent dielectrics at high repetition rates. Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics, CLEO 2021, San Jose, USA.


APPLIED ELECTRODYNAMICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION INSTITUTE

Saulėtekio al. 3, LT - 10257 Vilnius
Tel. 223 4585
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Robertas Grigalaitis

STAFF

Professors: Dr Habil. J. Banys (part-time), Dr Habil. J. Matukas, Dr R. Grigalaitis, Dr A. Lisauskas, Dr I. Kašalynas, Dr M. Žilinskas (Professor of practice), Dr Habil. A.F. Orliukas (Professor Emeritus), Dr Habil. J. Grigas (Professor Emeritus).
Associate professors: Dr A. Kežionis, Dr M. Šimėnas, Dr R. Aleksiejūnas, Dr M. Ivanov, Dr V. Jonkus, Dr T. Šalkus, Dr E. Kazakevičius, Dr S. Pralgauskaitė, Dr E. Palaimienė Dr V. Kavaliukė, Dr Š. Svirskas, Dr R. Rimeika, Dr K. Svirskas, Dr E. Stankevičius.
Lecturers: Dr S. Balčiūnas, Dr S. Daugėla, Dr S. Kazlauskas, Dr M. Tretjak, Dr I. Zamaraitė, A. Cesiul.
Researchers: Dr J. Macutkevič, Dr V. Kalendra, Dr S. Lapinskas, Dr A. Džiaugys, Dr A. Bernotas, D M. Šimėnas, Dr V. Kavaliukė, Dr S. Rudys, Dr M. Kinka, Dr Š. Svirskas, Dr S. Daugėla, Dr I. Zamaraitė, Dr J. Glemža, Dr K. Ikamas, Dr A. Plyushch, Dr E. Palaimienė, Dr M. Tretjak, Dr D. Meisak.
Engineering staff: E. Zdaniauskis, A. Sereika, V. R. Adomaitis, Č. Pavasaris, V. Armonavičius, V. Samulionis, A. Solovjovas, T. Kudrevičius, D. Žiūraitis, S. Armalytė, T. A. Shaik, D. Čiapas, M. Jurkoit, P. Lapienytė, Ž. Logminas, E. Martinaitytė, I. Morkūnaitė, K. Stankevičius, V. Haronin, G. Usevičius, E. Šatkauskas, E. Šlinkšytė, K. R. Truncė, P. Verbaitytė, D. Vizbaras.
Doctoral students: D. Adamchuk, A. Cesiul, G. Gorokhov, P. Bertašius, V. Haronin, J. Aleksandravičius.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of ferroelectrics and related materials, relaxation and phonon dynamic studies in order-disorder ferroelectrics, ferroelectric ceramics, dipolar glasses, relaxors, composite systems, liquids, metal-organic structures etc.
Technological processing of solid electrolyte ceramics and films
Broadband impedance spectroscopy of solid electrolytes
Low frequency noise characterization and investigation of the charge carrier transport mechanisms in the field-effect transistor-based terahertz detectors fabricated by the Si CMOS and AlGaN/GaN HEMT technologies, modern laser diodes and light-emitting diodes
Device reliability and quality assessment through the noise correlation analysis and long-term ageing experiments
Device modelling and design
Noise spectroscopy of novel multiferroic materials (e.g., with carbon nano particles)

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Development and Investigation of Structures of Nanometer Dimensions Employed in Telecommunication and Imaging Systems, their Noise Characterization. Prof. Jonas Matukas. 2018–2023.

Comprehensive investigations of materials and devices employed in telecommunication systems have been carried out: low frequency noise characteristics, responsivity of detectors and radiation characteristics of sources were measured and analysed, charge carrier transport mechanisms and device reliability were evaluated. Devices under investigation were: GaN, Si and graphene-based diodes and transistors for THz detection, GaSb and bismide-based semiconductor lasers for mid-infrared radiation, composite materials with carbon nanoparticles. Analysis of transport properties of the randomly moving electrons in metals was performed. Single line and continuous spectrum THz recording devices, THz imaging matrices, devices for THz spectroscopy were developed.

Main publications:

Tretjak, M., Palaimiene, E., Pralgauskaite, S., Matukas, J., Banys, J., Macutkevic, J., Fierro, V., Schaefer, S., Celzard, A. Noise and Electrical Characteristics of Composites Filled with Onion-Like Carbon Nanoparticles. Polymers. 2021, 13(7): 997, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13070997.

Ikamas, K., But, D., Cesiul, A., Kolacinski, C., Lisauskas, T., Knap, W., Lisauskas, A. All-Electronic Emitter-Detector Pairs for 250 GHz in Silicon. Sensors. 2021, 21(17): 5795, https://doi.org/10.3390/s21175795.

Javadi, E., But, D. B., Ikamas, K., Zdanevicius, J., Knap, W., Lisauskas, A. Sensitivity of Field-Effect Transistor-Based Terahertz Detectors. Sensors. 2021, 21(9): 2909, https://doi.org/10.3390/s21092909.

Electromagnetic Methods for Increasing Spectral Efficiency of Radio Communication Systems. Assoc. Prof. Kęstutis Svirskas. 2020–2023.

Complexity of wireless network research problems requires close comparison of experimental measurements with numerical simulations. For this purpose, simulation framework for MIMO LTE network performance analysis is being used. The core of this environment consists of cloud-based virtual server environment, allowing interactively share results between team members and run massive simulations, for example, antenna analysis, radio propagation channel, radio interference estimation problems. Simulations are based on statistical Monte Carlo algorithm, implemented using GNU Octave and Python numerical libraries.

Investigation the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on a living organism provided a lot of different results. With the National Cancer Institute new equipment to study a wider range of cell vital parameters, we are performing a study of the effects of electromagnetic radiation on cancer cells. Experiments are performed in 900 MHz band traditionally occupied by GSM services, with the help of experimental equipment developed in the TMC group.

Main publication:

Ikamas, K., But, D. B., Cesiul, A. Kolacinski, C. Lisauskas, T. Knap, W. Lisauskas A. All-Electronic Emitter-Detector Pairs for 250 GHz in Silicon. Sensors, special issue Terahertz and Millimetre Wave Sensing and Applications. 2021, 21(17): 5795, https://doi.org/10.3390/s21175795.

Broadband Spectroscopy of Innovative Materials. Prof. Jūras Banys. 2019–2023.

Dielectric, ultrasonic, electron paramagnetic spectroscopy studies of various ferroelectrics, relaxor ferroelectrics, multiferroics, inorganic and hybrid perovskites, formates and composite materials have been carried out. A lot of useful information both from the fundamental point of view as well as for the possible applications in advanced devices and/or technologies was extracted from these investigations. It was shown that with the help of advanced and unique equipment accumulated in the Laboratory of Microwave Spectroscopy a significant contribution to the number topics in physics and technology could be made.

Main publications:

Simenas, M., Balciunas, S., Svirskas, S., Kinka, M., Ptak, M., Kalendra, V., Gagor, A., Szewczyk, D., Sieradzki, A., Grigalaitis, R., Walsh, A., Maczka, M., Banys, J. Phase Diagram and Cation Dynamics of Mixed MA(1-x)FA(x)PbBr(3) Hybrid Perovskites. Chemistry of Materials. 2021, 33(15): 5926–5934.

Svirskas, Š., Balčiūnas, S., Šimėnas, M., Usevičius, G., Kinka, M., Velička, M., Kubicki, D., Castillo, M. E., Karabanov, A., Shvartsman, V. V., Soares, M. R., Šablinskas, V., Salak, A. N., Lupascu, D. C. and Banys, J. Reply to the Comment on ”Phase transitions, screening and dielectric response of CsPbBr3” by S. Svirskas, S. Balčiūnas, M. Šimėnas, G. Usevičius, M. Kinka, M. Velička, D. Kubicki, M. E. Castillo, A. Karabanov, V. V. Shvartsman, M. R. Soares, V. Šablinskas, A. N. Salak, D. C. Lupascu and J. Banys. J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020, 8: 14015. Journal of Material Chemistry A. 2021, 9(18): 1453–11455.

Svirskas, S., Adamchuk, D., Grigalaitis, R., Jablonskas, D., Macutkevic, J., Canu, G., Buscaglia, M. T., Buscaglia, V., Curecheriu, L., Mitoseriu, L., Banys, J. Dipolar glass state in BaCe0.3Ti0.7O3 perovskite solid solutions. Journal of Alloys and Compounds. 2020, 854: 155755.

Investigation of Superionic Conductor. Assoc. Prof. Tomas Šalkus. 2021–2025.

New solid electrolytes with proton conduction (Ba1-xSrxCe0.9Y0.1O3- δ, where 0<x< 0.1) and oxygen ion conduction (Er5.5MoO11.25- δ, Tm5.5MoO11.25- δ, Er6MoO12- δ and Tm6MoO12- δ) have been studied by broadband impedance spectroscopy. The distribution of relaxation times analysis has been developed and successfully applied to study the results of impedance spectra on 10YSZ and 15CaSZ single crystals.

Main publications:

Kavaliukė, V., Šalkus, T., Balčiūnas, S., Banys, J., Pogodin, A. I., Kokhan, O. P., Studenyak, I. P. Electrical properties of (Cu1-xAgx)7GeS5I crystals investigated by impedance spectroscopy. Solid State Ionics. 2021, 363: 115593.

Shlyakhtina, A. V., Lyskov, N. V., Šalkus, T., Kežionis, A., Patrakeev, M. V., Leonidov, I. A., Shcherbakova, L. G., Chernyak, S. A., Shefer, K. I., Sadovskaya, E. M., Eremeev, N. F., Sadykov, V. A. Conductivity and oxygen diffusion in bixbyites and fluorites Ln6-xMoO12-δ (Ln=Er, Tm; x=0, 0.5). International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2021, 46(32): 16965–6976.

Kežionis, A., Kazakevičius, E. Charge carrier relaxation in YSZ and CaSZ single crystals: In search of the analytic representation of DRT. Solid State Ionics. 2021, 372: 115788.

National Research Projects

Structural Phases and Dynamic Effects in Novel Hybrid Perovskite Materials for Future Solar Cells. Prof. Robertas Grigalaitis. 2019–2022.

Hybrid perovskite lead halides have attracted huge interest as materials for effective solar cell devices which power conversion efficiency is already above 20%, and their films can be fabricated by simple and cheap wet chemistry methods. Intense investigations are ongoing in this field to increase the conversion effectivity and environmental stability of them. The inorganic caesium lead bromide and mixed methylamonium-formamidinium lead bromide crystals were investigated during year 2021 by broadband dielectric, ultrasonic and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies and complemental techniques. Peculiarities of phase transitions and dipolar dynamics in these materials were determined and explained. This leads to better understanding of the physical properties of hybrid lead halides and shows routes to increase their photoactive behaviour.

Main publications:

Šimėnas, M., Balčiu̅nas, S., Svirskas, Š., Kinka, M., Ptak, M., Kalendra, V., Ga̧gor, A., Szewczyk, D., Sieradzki, A., Grigalaitis, R., Walsh, A., Ma̧czka, M., Banys, J. Phase Diagram and Cation Dynamics of Mixed MA1–xFAxPbBr3 Hybrid Perovskites. Chem. Mater. 2021, 33: 5926–5934. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.1c00885.

Svirskas, S., Balciunas, S., Simenas, M., Usevicius, G., Kinka, M., Velicka, M., Kubicki, D., Castillo, M. E., Karabanov, A., Shvartsman, V. V., Soares, M. D., Sablinskas, V., Salak, A. N., Lupascu, D. C., Banys, J. Reply to the Comment on "Phase transitions, screening and dielectric response of CsPbBr3" by S. Svirskas, S. Balciunas, M. Simenas, G. Usevicius, M. Kinka, M. Velicka, D. Kubicki, M. E. Castillo, A. Karabanov, V. V. Shvartsman, M. R. Soares, V. Sablinskas, A. N. Salak, D. C. Lupascu and J. Banys. J. Mater. Chem. A. 2020, 8: 14015. J. Mat. Chem. A. 2021, 9(18): 11453–11455. https://doi.org/10.1039/d1ta02123k .

NATO Science for peace and security program project: Globular Carbon Based Structures and Metamaterials for Enhanced Electromagnetic Protection. Dr Jan Macutkevič. 2020–2023.

The Project is focused on the development of innovative security-related technologies such as data protection through the production of metasurfaces with enhanced electromagnetic properties: microwave absorption and frequency dispersion, allowing effective guiding and trapping of high-frequency signals. The main goal of the project is to design and implement a new type of artificial magneto-electric materials as a basis for novel applications in radio frequency (RF) and microwave technology. These metasurfaces will be based on the metamaterial approach and will combine the advantages of both electric and magnetic properties in carbon-based magnetic globular structures, leading to multifunctional 2D-structures and to the concept of electromagnetic perfect absorber or wave concentrator.

Main publications:

Bertasius, P., Schaefer, S., Macutkevic, J., Banys, J., Selskis, A., Fierro, V., Celzard, A. Dielectric properties of polydimethylsiloxane composites filled with SrTiO3 nanoparticles. Polymer Composites. 2021, 42: 2982–2988.

Meisak, D., Macutkevic, J., Selskis, A., Kuzhir, P., Banys, J. Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and synergy effects in epoxy/MWCNT/Ni@C composites. Nanomaterials. 2021, 11: 555.

NMR and Lattice Dynamics Studies of Compositional Disorder in Barium Titanate. Dr Šarūnas Svirskas. 2021-2022.

Barium titanate (BTO) was the first inorganic ferroelectric to be discovered. It has been investigated for more than 50 years but it is still relevant to the technologies nowadays. Exceptional physical properties made this material irreplaceable in the production of multilayered ceramic capacitors.
The lattice of BTO can be easily modified with various substituents. This feature makes BTO very attractive for novel applications. Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge about the states of substituents limits the applicability of compositionally disordered BTO. The key to the applications is the understanding of these local phenomena.
The project aims to investigate the influence of rare-earth and transition metal ions to the macroscopic properties of BTO. By implementing advanced spectroscopic techniques (Raman, FTIR, dielectric and NMR spectroscopies) the properties of multiple compositionally disordered BTO systems will be investigated. These experiments will reveal the properties relevant to the applications and local processes occurring in the material. Such unique experimental studies can lead to the further progress in the field.

Main publications:

Veerapandiyan, V., Popov, M. N., Mayer, F., Spitaler, J., Svirskas, S., Kalendra, V., Lins, J., Canu, G., Buscaglia, M. T., Pasciak, M., Banys, J., Groszewicz, P. B., Buscaglia, V., Hlinka, J., Deluca, M. Origin of Relaxor Behavior in Barium-Titanate-Based Lead-Free Perovskites. Advanced Electronic Materials. n/a (n.d.) 2100812. https://doi.org/10.1002/aelm.202100812.

Jiang, M., Hu, W., Jacob, L., Sun, Q., Cox, N., Kim, D., Tian, Y., Zhao, L., Liu, Y., Jin, L., Xu, Z., Liu, P., Zhao, G. ,Wang, J., Svirskas, Š., Banys, J., Park, C., Frankcombe, T. J., Wei, X., Liu, Y. Hole-Pinned Defect Clusters for a Large Dielectric Constant up to GHz in Zinc and Niobium Codoped Rutile SnO2. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces. 2021, 13: 54124–54132. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c09632.

Liu, J., Jacob, L., Langley, J., Fu, Z., Cao, X., Ta, S., Chen, H., Svirskas, Š., Banys, J., Wei, X., Cox, N., Frankcombe, T. J., Liu, Y. Microwave Dielectric Materials with Defect-Dipole Clusters Induced Colossal Permittivity and Ultra-low Loss. ACS Appl. Electron. Mater. 2021, 3: 5015–5022. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.1c00236.

Development of Specialized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Detection and Neutralization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Dr Saulius Rudys. 2018–2022.

Technologies of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are developing especially rapidly and have extremely wide field of implementation. Unfortunately same as other technologies UAVs can be both beneficial and dangerous for the society. There are many solutions for UAV detection and neutralization suggested but all of these solutions have drawbacks. Thus, there are no effective UAV detection and neutralizing technologies available. The main goal of the project – develop an effective (more effective than is available in this moment) solution for UAV detection and neutralizing. Part of results was presented in the European competitions of the ideas.

Main publication:

Rudys, S., Laučys, A., Udris, D., Pomarnacki, R. and Bručas, D. Functionality Investigation of the UAV Arranged FMCW Solid-State Marine Radar. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9080887.

Investigation of Electromagnetic Properties of Ferrites as a Function of Frequency and Temperature. Assoc. Prof. Vidmantas Kalendra. 2021–2022.

The aim of project is to investigate ferrite material samples of a ferrite garnet, which will be used in a tuner that is installed on the 80 MHz cavity in the CERN Proton Synchrotron machine (PS). The PS is an essential part of the injector chain for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This tuner is filled with low loss ferrite material (AL800). The simulations of the tuner design, including the cavity versus the operating frequency range are very important. For these simulations, it is necessary to know the proper dispersion curve (permeability vs. frequency). The supplier of ferrite samples usually gives a data sheet, which is largely insufficient, as it does not provide any information on the dispersion of the material. Dielectric permittivity measurements were performed using close cycle helium cryostat and at low frequencies Maxwell - Wagner relaxation was observed. Magnetic permeability measurements were done using the classic Single-turn inductor method. The frequency dependence of the magnetic permeability shows the typical behaviour of ferrites.

International Research Projects

Joint Lithuanian-Latvian-Taiwan cooperation project: Investigation and Optimization of Cutting-Edge Lead-Free PMUT Platform: from Materials to Devices. Assoc. Prof. Šarūnas Svirskas. 2020–2022.

The project is devoted to developing a new prototype lead-free piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) platform, which could be further used in future environmentally friendly systems and applications. The project involves synthesis and characterization of state-of-the-art lead-free materials, application-oriented optimization of material properties, thin film fabrication on flexible substrates, creation of PMUT prototypes and validation of their performance. Project partners of Taiwan are experts in the applications of piezoelectric material for actuators and transducers, PMUT simulation and prototyping. Scientists from Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (Latvia) have strong background in solid state sintering of lead-free materials with potentially attractive piezoelectric properties. Lithuanian scientists of Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics (Lithuania) are leading experts in broadband dielectric spectroscopy, piezoelectric and acoustic research and characterization of ferroelectrics and related materials. The synergy of such versatile consortium gives opportunities to strongly influence the development and application of lead-free materials in a larger scale. The aim of this project is to drive lead-free materials towards wide use in PMUT, which can be attractive to various biological and other demanding applications. By applying different kinds of production techniques (PLD, tape-casting) it is expected to extend the application of lead-free materials and demonstrate novel PMUT devices.

Main publication:

Kudrevičius, T., Plyushch, A., Ivanov, M., Svirskas, Š., Plaušinaitienė, V., Selskis, A., Kuzhir, P., Banys, J. Aqueous tape casting of the 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 ceramic films: Production optimization and properties. J Electroceram. 2021, 46: 20–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10832-021-00240-z.

Joint Lithuanian-Latvian-Taiwan cooperation project: Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enzyme Encapsulation and Energy Harvesting. Dr Martynas Kinka. 2021–2023.

The project is aimed at establishing novel environmentally friendly synthesis routes of ZIF and UIO metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and extending their application possibilities in two emerging fields: encapsulation of biological catalysts and energy harvesting.
The project involves development of the water synthetic routes under mild temperature and pH value, synthesis and characterization of MOF materials, application-oriented functionalization, investigation and optimization of their properties, development of bio-friendly processes for the preparation of Enzyme@MOFs, synthesis of MOF/polymer composites and tuning their properties, creation of triboelectric nanogenerator prototypes based on MOF/polymer composites and validation of their performance. For comprehensive research consortium of three members is formed, combining complementary fields of expertise in MOF synthesis (Taiwan), broadband dielectric spectroscopy (Lithuania) and triboelectric material research (Latvia). Successful project implementation is expected to create high impact on both application fields of high scientific and industrial interest.

Joint Lithuanian-French project: Hybrid Gels for Electromagnetic Applications. Dr Jan Macutkevič. 2021–2022.

The main result of the project are produced hybrid carbon/ferromagnetic/ferroelectric gels, which exhibit the strong electromagnetic wave absorption. Gels were prepared by the dry freezing method using various ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Electrical properties of gels were studied in the wide frequency range from 10 μHz to 3 THz at different temperatures from 20 to 500 K. It was determined that the dielectric permittivity and the electrical conductivity strongly increased with the bulk density of the materials, according to the power laws at low frequency. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity exhibits non-Arrhenius behaviour.

Main publication:

Tretjak, M., Palaimiene, E., Pralgauskaite, S., Matukas, J., Banys, J., Fierro, V., Shaefer, S., Celzard, A. Noise and electrical characteristics of composites filled with onion-like carbon nanoparticles. Polymers. 2021, 13: 997.

Coordination and Support Action project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Science with and for Society (SwafS) programme: Supporting and Implementing Plans for Gender Equality in Academia and Research (SPEAR). Dr Sandra Pralgauskaitė. 2020–2023.

Contractual Research

Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania project Calculations, Analysis and Maintenance of the Electromagnetic Compatibility by TWViN, STStudio Software, No. TPS-120000-1180. Prof. J. Matukas (leader).

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany)
National Taiwan University (Taiwan)
University of Yamanashi (Japan)
Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland)
University of Luxembourg
University of Bologna (Italy)
Europian Communication Office (Denmark)
Telia Lietuva Group (Lithuania)
Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry (Poland)
AGH University of Science and Technology (Poland)
Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (Latvia)
State Agency Spanish National Research Council (Spain)
National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan)
Physikalisches Institut, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University (Germany)
Center for Terahertz Research and Applications, Institute of High Pressure Physics (Poland)
Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (Germany)
Department of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
German Aerospace Center (Germany)
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. Jūras Banys –

  • member of the International Advisory Board of ECAPD (European Conference on Applications of Polar Dielectrics);
  • member of the International Advisory Board of EMF (European Meeting on Ferroelectrics);
  • member of the International Advisory Bboard of IMF (International Meeting on Ferroelectrics);
  • IEEE FEROCOM member;
  • member of the IEEE Society;
  • foreign member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences;
  • correspondent member of the Saxonian Academy of Sciences in Leipzig;
  • Uzhgorod National University Doctor Honoris Causa;
  • member of the Lithuanian Physical Society;
  • member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • member of AMPERE Society Committee;
  • member of CERN Council;
  • member of the editorial board of Lithuanian Journal of Physics.

Dr Sandra Pralgauskaitė –

  • member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Conference on Noise and Fluctuations (ICNF);
  • member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Conference Unsolved Problems on Noise (UPoN);
  • member of the Lithuanian Physical Society.

Prof. Alvydas Lisauskas –

  • Lithuanian representative in NATO STO Sensors &Electronics Technology Panel.

Dr Kęstutis Ikamas –

  • member of the Terahertz-band Communications and Networking panel in NATO Science and Technology Organization;
  • member of the Lithuanian Physical Society.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

  • E. Kazakevičius, A. Kažionis. DRT based analysis of broadband impedance data. 14th International Symposium on Systems with Fast Ionic Transport, 7–9 July 2021, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Invited lecture).
  • G. Plečkaitytė, L. Vilčiauskas, S. Daugėla, T. Šalkus, A. F. Orliukas. Synthesis, structure and electrical properties of Na4Mn3(PO4)2(P2O7) and Na3MnPO4CO3 ceramics. 6th International Symposium on Surface Imaging/Spectroscopy at the Solid/Liquid Interface, 6–9 June 2021, Krakow, Poland.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES

  • Prof. Jūras Banys – President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
  • Dr Sandra Pralgauskaitė – member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Conference on Noise and Fluctuations (ICNF); member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Conference Unsolved Problems on Noise (UPoN).
  • Prof. Jonas Matukas – member of the Council of the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania (RRT); member of Telecommunication committee of Lithuanian Standards Board.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

  • R. Aleksiejūnas and K. Svirskas. Lecture for teachers of Lithuania Modern telecommunication technologies using Teams, March 2021.


INSTITUTE OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Saulėtekio al. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel. 223 4636
E-mail: tfai @ tfai.vu.lt
Head – Dr Habil. Gražina Tautvaišienė

STAFF - 72

13 teachers and professors (all holding research degree), 62 research fellow (55 holding research degree), 12 doctoral students.

Distinguished professor: Dr Habil. G. Juzeliūnas.
Professors: Dr E. Anisimovas (part-time), Dr Habil. A. Bartkevičius (affiliated), Dr Habil. R. Karazija (affiliated), Dr A. Kučinskas (part-time), Dr Habil. V. Straižys (Emeritus), Dr Habil. G. Tautvaišienė (part-time), Prof. Dr V. Vansevičius (part-time).
Research professors: Dr E. Anisimovas (part-time), Dr K. Černis, Dr A. Deltuva, Prof. Dr Habil. G. Gaigalas, Dr V. Gontis, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Jonauskas, Dr H. Kjeldsen (part-time), Dr A. Kučinskas (part-time), Dr Habil. G. Tautvaišienė (part-time), Dr Habil. K. Zdanavičius (affiliated).
Associate professors: Assoc. Prof. Dr T. Gajdosik, Dr Š. Mikolaitis (part-time), Dr D. Narbutis (part-time), Dr E. Stonkutė (part-time), Dr R. Stonkutė (part-time), Dr K. Zubovas (part-time), Assoc. Prof. Dr D. Šatkovskienė (affiliated).
Senior researchers: Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Acus, Dr V. Dūdėnas (part-time), Dr F. Grundahl (part-time), Dr A. Juodagalvis, Dr R. Juršėnas, Dr Habil. V. Gineitytė (affiliated), Dr D. Jurčiukonis, Dr R. Karpuškienė, Dr Habil. B. Kaulakys (part-time), Dr A. Kazlauskas (affiliated), Dr R. Kisielius, Dr A. Kononovičius, Dr A. Kynienė, Dr S. Kučas, Dr Š. Masys, Dr Š. Mikolaitis (part-time), Prof. Dr E. Norvaišas (affiliated), Dr E. Pakštienė, Dr V. Regelskis, Dr P. Rynkun, Dr J. Sperauskas, Dr E. Stonkutė (part-time), Dr J. Tamulienė, Dr A. Vektarienė, Dr G. Vektaris, Dr J. Zdanavičius.
Researchers: Dr K. Brogaard (part-time), Dr Y. Chorniy, Dr V. Čepas (part-time), Dr V. Dobrovolskas (part-time), Dr A. Drazdauskas (part-time), Dr C. von Essen (part-time), Dr H. R. Hamedi (part-time), Dr R. Kazakevičius (part-time), Dr J. Klevas (part-time), Dr V. Kudriašov (part-time), Dr M. Maskoliūnas, Dr A. Mekys (part-time), Dr A. Momkauskaitė, Dr V. Novičenko, Dr L. Radžiūtė, Dr M. Mackoit-Sinkevičienė.
Research assistants: E. Kolomiecas, M. Račiūnas, S. Raudeliūnas (part-time), C. Viscasillas Vazquez, G. Žlabys (part-time).
Project-specialists: M. Ambrosch (part-time), M. Ambrozas (part-time), V. Bagdonas (part-time), S. Draukšas (part-time), M. Račiūnas (part-time), C. Viscasillas Vazquez (part-time), G. Žlabys (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr V. Dobrovolskas (part-time), Dr A. Drazdauskas (part-time), Dr V. Dūdėnas (part-time).
Teaching assistant: M. Ambrozas (part-time).
Technicians: D. Burba (part-time), E. Gvozdiovas (part-time).
Doctoral students: M. Ambrosch, M. Ambrozas, B. Bale, J. Braver, S. Draukšas, E. Kolomiecas, J. Koncevičiūtė, A. Sharma, R. Skorulskienė, R. Urbonavičiūtė.
Non-academic staff: V. Bagdonas (part-time), V. Kakarienė (part-time), B. Kavaliauskienė, S. Lovčikas, R. Mikutavičienė, Ž. Naimovičienė, R. Urbonavičiūtė (part-time).

RESEARCH AREAS

Analysis of Atoms, Subatomic Particles or their Ensembles, Complex Systems, Electromagnetic Radiation and Cosmic Objects

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Galactic structure and chemodynamical evolution of stellar populations
Chemical composition and mixing phenomena in stellar atmospheres
Convection and non-equilibrium radiative transfer in stellar atmospheres
Stellar asteroseismology
Planet hosting stars and exoplanet transits
Structure and evolution of galaxies
Search and positional observations of comets and asteroids
Theoretical atomic spectroscopy
Algorithms and computer programs for plasma physics, astrophysics and other fields
Application of quantum mechanics and electrodynamics for transitions in atoms, molecules and molecular complexes
Interactions of atoms and molecules with electrons and radiation
Theoretical investigation of crystalline and electronic structure of perovskite crystals
Algebraic techniques for nuclear and particle physics
Analysis of pp collision data recorded at CERN CMS experiment
Neutrinos in the extended Standard model
Scattering processes in few-body nuclear systems
Quantum optics and ultra-cold atoms
Bose-Einstein condensates
Condensed matter systems
Quantum chemistry
Complexity and statistical physics applications in economics, finance, and other social sciences
Fluctuations and noise, theory of 1/f noise

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Chemical Composition of Stars and Exoplanets, and Chemical Evolution of the Galaxy. Dr Habil. G. Tautvaišienė. 2021–2025.

We determined abundances of neutron-capture elements for thin- and thick-disc F, G, and K stars in several selected sky fields and compared the results with the Galactic chemical evolution models, explored elemental gradients according to stellar ages, mean galactocentric distances, and maximum heights above the Galactic plane. It was shown that the chemical age clocks are not universal at all galactocentric distances and might be not applied at all for the thick disc of the Galaxy.

Main publications:

Tautvaišienė, G., Viscasillas Vázquez, C., Mikolaitis, Š., Stonkutė, E., Minkevičiūtė, R., Drazdauskas, A., & Bagdonas, V. Abundances of neutron-capture elements in thin- and thick-disc stars in the solar neighbourhood. Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2021, 649: A126.

Miglio, A., Chiappini, C., Mackereth, J. T., Davies, G. R., Brogaard, K., Casagrande, L., Chaplin, W. J., Girardi, L., Kawata, D., Khan, S., Izzard, R., Montalbán, J., Mosser, B., Vincenzo, F., Bossini, D., Noels, A., Rodrigues, T., Valentini, M., Mandel, I. Age dissection of the Milky Way discs: Red giants in the Kepler field. Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2021, 645: A85.

Magrini, L., Vescovi, D., Casali, G., Cristallo, S., Viscasillas Vázquez, C., Cescutti, G., Spina, L., Van Der Swaelmen, M., & Randich, S. Magnetic-buoyancy-induced mixing in AGB stars: a theoretical explanation of the non-universal relation of [Y/Mg] to age. Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2021, 646: L2.

Star Formation and Dust Clouds in the Orion and Perseus arms of the Galaxy. Prof. V. Straižys. 2021–2025.

Open star clusters King 7 was investigated using photometry of stars in the Vilnius seven-colour photometric system and the astrometric data from Gaia space observatory of ESA. Photometric spectral classes, luminosities and interstellar extinctions are determined for stars down to V=15.5 mag (1084 stars) and 19.5 mag (584 stars), respectively. For the stars in clusters the membership probabilities, interstellar reddenings and extinctions, distances and ages are determined. Physically the cluster is located at the outer edge of the Perseus spiral arm at d=2.74 kpc, its diameter is 9.6 pc, the age is 175±25 Myr, the earliest stars are of spectral classes B6-B7. The average interstellar extinction AV=4.24 mag. From the radial velocities of CO and the Galactic rotation curve we estimate distances to the nearby dust clouds TGU H989 P2 and P3 at 650-670 pc from the Sun.

Main publications:

Straižys, V., Kazlauskas, A., Boyle, R.P., Janusz, R., Zdanavičius, J., Raudeliūnas S., Černis, K., Maskoliūnas, M., Macijauskas, M., Čepas V., Semionov, D. Interstellar Extinction in the Direction of the Open Cluster King 7 and New Parameters of the Cluster. Astronomical Journal. 2021, 162(6): 224.

Soam, A., Andersson, B.-G., Straižys, V., Caputo, M., Kazlauskas, A., Boyle, R. P., Janusz, R., Zdanavičius, J., Acosta-Pulido, J. A. Interstellar extinction, polarization, and grain alignment in the Sh 2-185 (IC 59 and IC 63) region. Astronomical Journal. 2021, 161(3): 149.

Magnetohydrodynamical Phenomena and Radiative Transfer in Stellar Atmospheres. Prof. Dr A. Kučinskas. 2020–2024.

We studied abundances of s-process elements Zr and Ba in the atmospheres of red giant branch stars of the Galactic globular cluster (GGC) 47 Tuc. We find that there is no connection between the synthesis of Ba and light chemical elements (such as Na, Al) in the second-generation stars in this GGC. On the contrary, the abundance of Zr is weakly correlated with that of Na. The obtained results suggest that not only the abundances of light chemical elements but also possibly those of s-process elements have been synthesized by the same polluters that enriched 2P stars with light elements. Amongst the potential candidate polluters are AGB stars (M ~1.5−5 M⊙) and/or massive rotating stars (M ~12−25 M⊙, vrot>150 km/s), both of which may synthesize Zr in sizeable amounts.

Main publication:

Dobrovolskas, V., Kolomiecas, E., Kučinskas, A., Klevas, J., Korotin, S. Abundance of barium in the atmospheres of red giants in the Galactic globular cluster NGC 104 (47 Tuc). Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2021, 656: A67.

Stochastic Effects in Stellar Systems. Prof. Dr. V. Vansevičius. 2019–2023.

Research activities were carried out in three main directions: i) studies of stellar populations in the dwarf irregular galaxy Leo A (a star sequence of peculiar metallicity was discovered in the extremely low metallicity environment); ii) studies of supermassive black holes in high-z galaxies (an effective scenario of black hole grow from stellar-mass seeds via chaotic accretion was proposed); iii) studies of star clusters in the Andromeda galaxy (a new method of adaptive cluster photometry was proposed).

Main publications:

Leščinskaitė, A., Stonkutė, R. & Vansevičius, V. AGB and RGB stars in the dwarf irregular galaxy Leo A. A&A. 2021, 647: A170.

Naujalis, R., Stonkutė, R. & Vansevičius, V. Deriving physical parameters of unresolved star clusters. VI. Adaptive aperture photometry of the M31 PHAT star clusters. A&A. 2021, 654: A6.

Zubovas, K. & King, A. High-redshift SMBHs can grow from stellar-mass seeds via chaotic accretion. MNRAS. 2021, 501: 4289.

Astrometry and Photometry of Hazard Asteroids. Dr K. Černis. 2021–2025.

Fifty four new asteroids have been discovered. NEO asteroids 1950 DA and Apophys were observed doing their astrometry and photometry. New precise orbits of two NEO objects were determined. We published about 9000 astrometric positions of 2100 asteroids. Near Earth Objects, TNO, Main Belt asteroids and comets were observed with the 0.35/0.51 m Maksutov telescope (Molėtai Observatory), with the 0.80/1.20 m Schmidt telescope (Baldone Observatory, Latvia), with the 1.8 m Vatican telescope (Mt. Graham, Arizona, U.S.A.). A new precise orbits of 106 asteroids discovered at the Vatican observatory were determined. Noctilucent clouds were observed in summer time from Vilnius station. Four asteroids were named by Kudirka, Pakštienė, Lapuška and Kėdainiai.

Main publications:

Černis, K., Zdanavičius, J., Pakštienė, E. Astrometric observations of Apophis and 43 asteroids (249 positions) in Molėtai Astronomical Observatory (Code 152). M.P.C. 129112 (25 Mar. 2021).

Černis, K., Boyle, R., Laugalys, V., Stott, J. Astrometric observations of 47 asteroids (291 positions) and discovery of 7 new asteroids in Mt. Graham Observatory (Code 290). M.P.C. 127460 (27 Jan. 2021).

Černis, K., Eglitis, I. Astrometric observations of 79 asteroids (230 positions) and discovery of three new asteroids in Baldone Astrophysical Observatory (Code 069). M.P.C. 129111 (25 Mar. 2021).

Multielectron Processes in Complex Atomic Systems. Dr V. Jonauskas. 2019–2023.

Multiple photoionization for the K shell in the Fe atom is studied for all levels of the ground configuration. Electron-impact single ionization is investigated for the Fe3+ ion. The quasi - relativistic approach was used to derive spectroscopic parameters for the Ru-like tungsten ion W29+. The electronic g-tensor calculations were performed for dangling bonds – one of the most common paramagnetic defects – introduced into nanodiamonds with four different functional groups on their surfaces.

Main publications:

Karpuškiene, R., Kisielius, R. Theoretical level energies and transition data for ion W29+. Atomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables. 2021, 137: 101383.

Masys, Š., Jonauskas, V., Rinkevicius, Z. Electronic g-tensor calculations for dangling bonds in nanodiamonds. J. Phys. Chem. A. 2021, 125: 8249.

Kučas, S., Kynienė, A., Masys, Š., Jonauskas, V. Multiple photoionization for the K shell in the Fe atom. Astronomy & Astrophysics. 2021, 654: A74.

Correlation and Relativistic Effects in Complex Atoms and Ions. Prof. G. Gaigalas. 2020–2024.

The MCDHF and RCI methods were used to compute excitation energies and transition data for the 147 lowest states of the even configurations and for the 124 lowest states of the odd configurations for the P-like ions: As XIX, Kr XXII, Sr XXIV, Zr XXVI, Mo XXVIII, and W LX. E1 transition rates and weighted oscillator strengths among these states are given. Computed excitation energies and transition data are compared with the NIST recommended values and experimental or theoretical results of other authors. All calculations were performed using GRASP2018 package.

Main publications:

Gaigalas, G. Rynkun, P. Radžiūtė, L. Jönsson, P. and Wang K.. Energy and Transition Data Computations for P-like Ions: As, Kr, Sr, Zr, Mo, and W. Atomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables. 2021, 141: 101428.

Gaigalas, G., Fritzsche, S. Angular Coefficients for Symmetry-Adapted Configuration States in jj-coupling. Computer Physics Communication. 2021, 267: 108086.

Radžiūtė, L., Gaigalas, G., Kato, D., Rynkun, P. and Tanaka, M. Extended Calculations of Energy Levels and Transition Rates for Singly Ionized Lanthanide Elements. II. Tb–Yb. The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. 2021, 257: 29.

Theoretical Study of Light Nuclei and Elementary Particles. Dr A. Deltuva. 2021–2025.

Using exact scattering theory energies and widths of four-boson Efimov resonances and the fermionic dimer-atom-atom recombination rate were determined. The renormalization of the van der Waals potential in the three-atom system was studied. Selected proton-deuteron and proton-helium scattering processes were analyzed. Expressions for elementary functions were obtained for Clifford algebras Cl(p,q) with p+q<4. Pseudo-symmetric pairs for Kac-Moody algebras were studied. Expressions of spinorial R-matrices and Bethe vectors for deformed SO(2n)- and SO(2n+1)-symmetric spin chains were obtained.

Main publications:

Deltuva, A. Efimov resonances above four-boson threshold. Phys. Rev. C. 2021, 103: 064001.

Deltuva, A. Recombination in the universal four-fermion system. Phys. Lett. B. 2021, 820: 136599.

Odell, D., Deltuva, A., Platter, L. Van der Waals interaction as the starting point for an effective field theory. Phys. Rev. A. 2021, 104: 023306.

Optical, Kinetic, and Topological Properties of Cold Atoms and Condensed Molecular Structures. Dr Habil. G. Juzeliūnas. 2018–2021.

It is shown that a medium with a high optical depth can be used to create a system of weakly interacting Rydberg polaritons. The method of flow equations was applied to block diagonalize the extended-space Hamiltonian describing periodically modulated quantum systems. A set of benzoquinones was examined theoretically as potential electron transfer mediators in enzymatic sensor. It is shown that the A-model with equal model parameters can be considered as a Hilbert space model rather than a Pontryagin space model.

Main publications:

Kim, B., Chen, K.-T., Hsiao, S.-S., Wang, S.-Y., Li, K.-B., Ruseckas, J., Juzeliūnas, G., Kirova, T., Auzinsh, M., Chen, Y.-C., Chen, Y.-F. and Yu, I. A. A weakly-interacting many-body system of Rydberg polaritons based on electromagnetically induced transparency. Commun. Phys. 2021, 4: 101.

Voitechovič, E., Stankevičiūtė, J., Vektarienė, A., Vektaris, G., Jančienė, R., Kuisienė, N., Razumienė, J., Meškys, R. Bioamperometric Systems with Fructose Dehydrogenase From Gluconobacter japonicus for D-tagatose Monitoring. Electroanalysis. 2021, 33: 1393–1397.

Tamulienė, J., Romanova, L., Vukstich, V., Snegursky, A. Fragmentation of tyrosine by low-energy electron impact. European Physical Journal D. 2021, 75: 246.

Evolution and Statistics of Complex Systems. Prof. B. Kaulakys. 2017–2021.

We have derived analytical approximations of the temporal evolution of the raw moments in the noisy voter model. We have shown that supportive interactions in the noisy voter model lead to a polarized frozen state. We have proposed a novel non-parametric goodness-of-fit test, whose output is straightforward to interpret from the information entropy perspective. The unstable delayed feedback control algorithm to effectively change the sign of the coupling constant for the weakly coupled limit cycle oscillators is presented. It is shown that the control force becomes non-invasive if our objective is stabilization of an unstable phase difference for two coupled oscillators. An overview of our models for understanding and modeling the long-range memory phenomenon in financial markets and other complex systems is presented.

Main publications:

Kazakevičius, R. and Kononovicius, A. Anomalous diffusion in nonlinear transformations of the noisy voter model. Physical Review E. 2021, 103: 032154.

Kononovicius, A. Supportive interactions in the noisy voter model. Chaos, Solitons and Fractals. 2021, 143: 110627.

Novičenko, V. and Ratas, I. Unstable delayed feedback control to change sign of coupling strength for weakly coupled limit cycle oscillators. Chaos. 2021, 31: 093138.

National Research Projects

Global Grant research project Stellar and Exoplanet Investigations in the Context of the TESS and JWST Space Missions (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0103). Dr Habil. G. Tautvaišienė. 2018–2022.

Using photometric and spectral observations at the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory and several other observatories, we have improved the previously established physical properties of several member stars of the Hyades stellar cluster and determined for this cluster the helium content (Y=0.27) and age (0.9 ±0.1 Gyr). By using the TESS and Spitzer space telescope data, we investigated parameters of the KELT-1b and KELT 10b exoplanets. For KELT-1b, we determined the day-side temperature of about 3010 K, and the night-side temperature of about 2000 K. For KELT-10b, our results indicate a sodium detection in the planet transmission spectrum with a line contrast of 0.66% and 0.43%±0.09% for the sodium DII and DI lines, respectively.

Main publications:

Brogaard, K., Pakštienė, E., Grundahl, F., Mikolaitis, Š., Tautvaišienė, G., Slumstrup, D., Talens, G. J. J., VandenBerg, D. A., Miglio, A., Arentoft, T., Kjeldsen, H., Janulis, R., Drazdauskas, A., Marchini, A., Minkevičiūtė, R., Stonkutė, E., Bagdonas, V., Fredslund Andersen, M., Jessen-Hansen, J., Pallé, P. L., Dorval, P., Snellen, I. A. G., Otten, G. P. P. L. & White, T. R. Properties of the Hyades, the eclipsing binary HD 27130, and the oscillating red giant ɛ Tauri. Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2021, 645: A25.

von Essen, C., Mallonn, M., Piette, A., Cowan, N. B., Madhusudhan, N., Agol, E., Antoci, V., Poppenhaeger, K., Stassun, K. G., Khalafinejad, S. & Tautvaišienė, G. TESS unveils the optical phase curve of KELT-1b. Thermal emission and ellipsoidal variation from the brown dwarf companion along with the stellar activity. Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2021, 648: A71.

McCloat, S., von Essen, C. & Fieber-Beyer, S. Atmospheric Transmission Spectroscopy of Hot Jupiter KELT-10b using Synthetic Telluric Correction Software. Astronomical Journal. 2021, 162: 132.

Global Grant research project Quantum Engineering in Cold Atomic Gases (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0051). Prof. E. Anisimovas. 2018–2022.

It is shown that time and space crystalline structures can be combined together and six-dimensional time-space lattices can be realized revealing the six-dimensional quantum Hall effect quantified by the third Chern number. Also it is demonstrated that a three dimensional time-periodically driven (Floquet) lattice can exhibit chiral hinge states, and their interplay with the Weyl physics is described. The implementation of such a model is straightforward with ultracold atoms in optical superlattices.

Main publications:

Žlabys, G., Fan, C.-h., Anisimovas E. and Sacha, K. Six-dimensional time-space crystalline structures. Physical Review B. 2021,103: L100301.

Huang, B., Novičenko, V., Eckardt, A., Juzeliūnas, G. Floquet chiral hinge modes and their interplay with Weyl physics in a three-dimensional lattice. Phys. Rev. B. 2021, 104: 104312.

Research Council of Lithuania. Optical Control of Ultracold Atoms (S-MIP-20-36). Prof. Dr G. Juzeliūnas.2020–2023.

We analysed a tripod atom light coupling scheme characterized by two dark states playing the role of quasi-spin states. It was demonstrated that by properly configuring the coupling laser fields, one can create a lattice with spin-dependent sub-wavelength barriers. This allows us to flexibly alter the atomic motion and opens new possibilities for spin ordering and symmetry breaking.

Main publication:

Gvozdiovas, E., Račkauskas, P., Juzeliūnas, G. Optical lattice with spin-dependent sub-wavelength barriers. SciPost Phys. 2021, 11: 100.

Research Council of Lithuania. Spin-Orbit Coupling for the Generation of Non-Trivial Quantum Correlations in Ultra-Cold Atomic Systems funded by (S-LL-21-3). Prof. Dr G. Juzeliūnas. 2021–2024.

The project started in July 2021. During the first 5 months of the project we explored various possibilities of spin squeezing via the spin-orbit coupling and are planning to start writing a manuscript on this at the beginning of 2022.

Short-term research in health and education Feasibility Study and Implementation of the Integrated Science Education in Grades 5-8 (No. P-REP-21-8). Assoc. Prof. A. Kynienė. 2020–2021.

A consistent analysis of the achievements of students who have completed approved general education and integrated programs is carried out in accordance with the goals set in the Education Strategy. Two tests and three questionnaires were developed and discussed with teachers and school leaders. Stakeholders were provided with initial insights into the results obtained. The analysis of the received data is being continued and the preparation of a report has started.

Research Council of Lithuania postdoctoral fellowship Theoretical Multipole Interference Study for Gravitational Wave Sources (Nr. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0080). Dr L. Radžiūtė, supervisor Prof. Dr G. Gaigalas. 2020–2022.

Accurate energy levels for the As-like ions: Se II, Br III, Kr IV, Rb V, Sr VI were obtained using MCDHF and RCI methods. Accuracy of E1 and E2-type transition properties was investigated using new methodology, based on gauge dependence. 77%–97% of E1 type transitions have D or better accuracy. 96%–98% of E2 type transitions have C or better accuracy. First four elements mainly are generated by s-process, except Sr, which is produced by r-process. This element is the first element identified in the electromagnetic spectra of two merging stars.

Research Council of Lithuania postdoctoral fellowship Study of the Grimus-Neufeld Model (Nr. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0013). Dr V. Dūdėnas, supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr Thomas Gajdosik. 2020–2022.

We have studied the low seesaw scale in the Grimus-Neufeld model and its impact on the Lepton Flavour violating processes. We related the parameters of the scalar potential of the model to the lepton flavour violating decays and implemented the model into Flexible-SUSY program. By doing parameter scans, we put the constraints on the scalar sector of the model from the experimental limits of these decays. The results of this study will be published next year.

Research Council of Lithuania postdoctoral fellowship Spatially Inhomogeneous Atom-Light Interaction Phenomena (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K- 712-19-0031). Dr Hamid R. Hamedi, adviser Dr Habil. G. Juzeliūnas. 2020–2022.

Formation of spatially dependent electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) patterns from pairs of Laguerre–Gauss modes has been investigated in an ensemble of cold interacting Rydberg atoms. The proposal allows for patterning Rydberg atoms at specific positions in azimuthal space, enabling single-site addressability of trapped arrays of atoms.

Main publication:

Hamedi, H. R., Kudriašov, V., Jia, N., Qian, J. and Juzeliūnas, G. Ferris wheel patterning of Rydberg atoms using electromagnetically induced transparency with optical vortex fields. Optics Letters. 2021, 46: 4204–4207.

Research Council of Lithuania postdoctoral fellowship Non-Classical Spin States in Ultracold Atomic Gases (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-23-0035). Dr Mažena Mackoit-Sinkevičienė, adviser Dr Habil. G. Juzeliūnas. 2021–2023.

The project started in July 2021. During the first 5 months of the project the postdoctoral fellow studied periodical driving and spin-orbit coupling for creating non-classical spin states for ultracold atoms.

Research Council of Lithuania postdoctoral fellowship Investigation of Long Memory in Complex Multi-State Stochastic Agent Systems (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K- 712-19-0017). Dr R. Kazakevičius, supervisor Dr V. Gontis. 2020–2022.

We will propose an approximation of a multi-state agent model with a long memory by a single variable model. Simplifying the multi-state agent model by performing a variable elimination procedure would significantly reduce the resources of digital computations and allow us to compare the results of the analyses with analytical approximations derived by ourselves or other authors. Finding analytical approximations would help make the model more accessible and user-friendly in practice.

Main publication:

Kazakevicius, R., Kononovicius, A., Kaulakys, B., Gontis, V. Understanding the Nature of the Long-Range Memory Phenomenon in Socioeconomic Systems. Entropy. 2021, 23(9).

Research Council of Lithuania, postdoctoral fellowship Barium and Strontium Abundances in the Metal-Poor Stars as Indicators of Heavy Element Nucleosynthesis in the Early Universe (Nr. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0172). Dr J. Klevas, supervisor Prof. Dr Arūnas Kučinskas. 2020–2022.

Barium abundance was investigated in the red giants of Galactic globular cluster 47 Tuc using the 1D NLTE spectrum synthesis. The average barium-to-iron ratio obtained agrees well with those determined in Galactic field stars at this metallicity and may therefore represent the abundance of primordial proto-cluster gas that has not been altered during the subsequent chemical evolution of the cluster.

Main publication:

Dobrovolskas, V., Kolomiecas, E., Kučinskas, A., Klevas, J., Korotin, S. Abundance of barium in the atmospheres of red giants in the Galactic globular cluster NGC 104 (47 Tuc). Astronomy & Astrophysics. 2021, 656: A67.

International Research Projects

EC Horizon2020 project EUROPLANET2024 – Research Infrastructure (No. 871149). Dr Habil. G. Tautvaišienė. 2020–2023.

We were working within the work packages dedicated to on-ground observations and early careers training and education. Using observations at the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory, properties of slowly rotating and serendipitous asteroids were investigated as well as transits of exoplanets. A young low-mass brown dwarf transiting a fast-rotating F-type star was discovered.

Main publications:

Marciniak, A., … Pakštienė, E., et al. Properties of slowly rotating asteroids from the Convex Inversion Thermophysical Model. Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2021, 654: A87.

Benni, P., … Pakštienė, E., et al. Discovery of a young low-mass brown dwarf transiting a fast-rotating F-type star by the Galactic Plane eXoplanet (GPX) survey. Monthly Notices of the Royal Society. 2021, 505: 4956.

Mieczkowska, I., Marciniak, A., Hirsch, R., Kaminski, K., Kaminska, M. K., Polinska, M., Oszkiewicz, D., Sobkowiak, K., Wróblewski, R., Zukowski, K., Pakštiene, E., Ogloza, W. & Drózdz, M. Serendipitous Asteroids. Minor Planet Bulletin. 2021, 48: 352.

EC Horizon 2020 project Chemical Elements as Tracers of the Evolution of the Cosmos – Infrastructures for Nuclear Astrophysics (ChETEC-INFRA) (grant agreement No. 101008324). Prof. Dr A. Kučinskas. 2021–2025.

Nuclear astrophysics requires a diverse set of research infrastructures for progress: telescopes for astronomical observations, nuclear laboratories to measure nuclear properties, and supercomputers to compute complex stellar models. ChETEC-INFRA project (https://www.chetec-infra.eu) networks 13 infrastructures from a variety of European countries. Under the umbrella of this project, 3 nights have been provided in 2021 at Molėtai astronomical observatory (MAO) for the international project aimed to study the origins of s-process elements using the MAO VUES spectrograph. A. Kučinskas leads a ChTEC-INFRA Work Package 5 (WP5) “Astronuclear Abundances”. A joint ChETEC-INFRA WP5-WP6 workshop has been organized on 13 July 2021 (32 participants from 16 countries).

Research Council of Lithuania. Polish – Lithuanian Black Hole Hunt (S-LL-19-2). Dr M. Maskoliūnas. 2019–2021.

Stellar evolution theory predicts there should be about 20 millions of black holes in the Milky Way galaxy in the mass range from 5 to 15 Solar Masses (e.g., Gould 2000, ApJ, 542,785). Yet, only a small few dozen are known from their interactions with a companion. Currently, there are no known non-interactive black holes in the Galaxy. If they are indeed present in the numbers predicted by theory, we should discover them, however, even a non-detection will allow us to constrain the stellar evolution models.

Main publications:

Gezer, I., Zielinski, P., Wyrzykowski, L., Gromadzki, M., Kruszynska, K., Rybicki, K., Ihanec, N., Zdanavičius, J., Maskoliūnas, M., Pakštienė, E. and Hodgkin, S. GEMINI/GMOS-S spectroscopic classification of Gaia microlensing event candidates (part 2). The Astronomer’s Telegram. 2021, 14617.

Zielinski, P., Gezer, I., Gromadzki, M., Wyrzykowski, L., Lam, M, C., Ihanec, N., Kruszyńska, K., Rybicki, K., Zdanavičius, J., Maskoliūnas, M., Pakštienė, E. and Hodgkin, S. WTFU Transient Classification Report for 2021 No. 123.

Zielinski, P., Gezer, I., Gromadzki, M., Wyrzykowski, L., Lam, M, C., Ihanec, N., Kruszyńska, K., Rybicki, K., Zdanavičius, J., Maskoliūnas, M., Pakštienė, E. and Hodgkin, S. Gaia20fnr/AT2020ably is bright microlensing event based on LT/SPRAT and Gemini/GMOS-N spectra. The Astronomer’s Telegram. 2021, No. 14316.

Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. Lithuanian cooperation with CERN. Dr A. Juodagalvis, since 2008. Project: Physics of Subatomic Particles in the CERN CMS Experiment.

Activities at the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment focused on the analysis of pp collision data recorded with the CMS detector. The data-driven background estimation procedure for the Drell-Yan differential cross-section measurement using Run-2 CMS data was finalized. Remote DAQ general shifts on the CMS detector were taken.

New On-Shell scheme to renormalize fermion masses, fields, and mixing matrices was defined. Zbb couplings in a multi-Higgs-doublet model (MHDM) extension of the Standard Model, two-body lepton-flavour-violating decays in a two-Higgs-doublet model, and the Grimus-Neufeld model were studied.

Main publications:

Dūdėnas, V., Löschner, M. Vacuum expectation value renormalization in the standard model and beyond. Phys. Rev. D. 2021, 103: 076010.

Jurčiukonis, D. and Lavoura, L. Fitting the Zbb vertex in the two-Higgs-doublet model and the three-Higgs-doublet model. JHEP. 2021, 07: 195.

International programme: Gaia-ESO Spectroscopic Survey (ESO project 188.B-3002). Dr Habil. G. Tautvaišienė. 2012–2021.

Investigations were mainly dedicated to the lithium abundance investigations. We demonstrate that the evolution of the surface abundance of Li in giant stars is a powerful tool for constraining theoretical stellar evolution models, allowing us to distinguish the effect of different mixing processes. We find a better agreement of observed surface abundances and models with rotation-induced and thermohaline mixing. The comparison of the data with the chemical evolution model predictions favours a scenario in which the majority of the 7Li abundance in meteorites comes from novae.

Main publications:

Magrini, L., Smiljanic, R., Franciosini, E., … Viscasillas Vazquez, C., Bragaglia, A., Spina, L., Biazzo, K., Tautvaišienė, G., et al., The Gaia-ESO survey: Lithium abundances in open cluster Red Clump stars. Astronomy & Astrophysics. 2021, 655: A23.

Romano, D., Magrini, L., Randich, S., … Tautvaišienė, G., et al., The Gaia-ESO Survey: Galactic evolution of lithium from iDR6. Astronomy & Astrophysics. 2021, 653: A72.

Franchini, M., Morossi, C., Di Marcantonio, P., … Tautvaišienė, G., et al., The Gaia-ESO Survey: Oxygen Abundance in the Galactic Thin and Thick Disks. Astronomical Journal. 2021, 161: 9.

International programme: PLATO Science Management. Prof. Dr A. Kučinskas. 2020–2027.

A long-term partnership has been established in late 2020 between the Stellar Atmosphere Physics (SAP) group at ITPA and the European Space Agency’s science mission “PLATO” Science Management Work Package 120 “Stellar Science”, with Prof. Dr A. Kučnskas and Dr J. Klevas becoming the PLATO WP 120 official members. It is foreseen that the SAP group at ITPA will provide the PLATO Science Management consortium with a grid of 3D hydrodynamical model atmospheres of M-type dwarfs which, in cooperation with the PLATO consortium, will be used for the determination of 3D NLTE chemical abundances in the atmospheres of the PLATO target stars. During 2021, computations of the first version of the M-dwarf have been completed at ITPA, a publication summarizing first scientific results is in preparation.

COST Action CA16201: Unravelling New Physics at the LHC through the Precision Frontier (ParticleFace) (http://particleface.eu/). Action Chair: Dr German Rodrigo (Valencia, Spain) (24 countries). Dr A. Juodagalvis, Management Committee Member. 2017–2021.

A. Juodagalvis and T. Gajdosik attended three ParticleFace management committee on-line meetings. S. Draukšas and M. Ambrozas participated in several schools, supported by this COST Action: ‘Computer Algebra and Particle Physics – CAPP 2021’ (6–10 April, DESY, Hamburg), and the ‘Baltic School of High-Energy Physics and Accelerator Technologies 2021’ (2–6 August, Klapkalnciems, Latvia). S. Draukšas gave a remote presentation in ‘ParticleFace webinar series’ on 12 October. D. Jurčiukonis visited Lisbon U. to collaborate with Dr Luís Lavoura on an extension of the Standard Model.

COST Action CA16117 Chemical Elements as Tracers of the Evolution of the Cosmos (ChETEC) (http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/ca/ca11617). Action Chair: Dr Raphael Hirschi, England) (30 countries). Prof. Dr A. Kučinskas, Managing Committee Member, Member of the Project Core Group, Co-lead of the Working Group 3 (Astronomical Observations). 2017–2021.

The four-year COST project CA16117 ended in 2021. During the project duration, members of ChETEC WP3 obtained observing time with the ESO VLT telescope for three large projects, in total >100 observing hours with UVES. Although because of ESO closure during 2020-21 because of COVID-19 some of the observations have been delayed, for the majority of projects the data have been obtained successfully and data analysis is underway.

COST Action CA18104 Revealing the Milky Way with Gaia (ORIGINS) (https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18104). Action Chair: Nicholas Walton) (28 countries). Dr– Š. Mikolaitis, Managing Committee Member, Lead of the Working Group 5. 2019–2023.

The online workshop MW-Gaia: Bringing the Milky Way to schools (2–4 June 2021) was organized by Vilnius University in partnership with Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (Porto, Portugal). The workshop covered various topics about the Milky Way as a Galaxy: the science and research background dissemination of the GAIA science, teaching the Milky Way in schools, how to make teaching and science communication more inclusive. Gražina Tautvaišienė and Edita Stonkutė were members of Scientific Organising Committee and Šarūnas Mikolaitis was chair of the Local organising Committee. 6 invited talks, 13 contributed talks and 13 posters were in the programme. 193 participants from 52 countries were registered to attend the workshop.

COST action CA16221 project Quantum Technologies with Ultra-Cold Atoms (AtomQTech). Project Coordinator in Lithuania – Gediminas Juzeliūnas. 2017–2021.

A theoretical scheme has been investigated for creating a two-dimensional (2D) Electromagnetically Induced Grating in a three-level Λ-type atomic system interacting with a weak probe field and two simultaneous position-dependent coupling fields. It was shown that due to the azimuthal modulation of the vortex field, a 2D asymmetric grating can be obtained, giving an increase of the zeroth and high orders of diffraction, thus transferring the probe energy to the high orders of direction.

Main publication:

Asadpour, S. H., Kirova, T., Qian, J., Hamedi, H. R., Juzeliūnas G. and Paspalakis, E. Azimuthal modulation of electromagnetically induced grating using structured light. Scientific Reports. 2021, 11, 20721.

FY2021 NIFS General Collaboration Project (LHD Experiment), Japan. Precision Spectral Measurements of Highly Charged Rare Earth Elements and their Data Analysis with Nonempirical MCDF-CI Calculation. Supervisors: Prof. F. Koike and Dr I. Murakami, research group: Prof. D. G. Gaigalas, Dr Ch. Suzuki, Dr A. Sasaki, Dr M. Goto, Dr D. Kato, Dr T. Kato, Dr H. Sakaue. 2021.

The spectral measurement of La, Pr, and Eu was continued. Combining the previously measured spectral data, atomic number dependence of the EUV and XUV spectra of lanthanide elements was analysed in detail. A GRASP2018 package was employed for the work of the spectral line identifications. The spectrum was also compared with the available EBIT experimental data and also with the available LIBS experimental data.

Project Magnetic Properties of Nanodiamonds: Theoretical Investigation under HPC-Europa3 Transnational Access Programme within Horizon 2020 Framework. Dr Š. Masys. 2021.

Density functional theory calculations were performed to find out the influence of the size of nanodiamonds (NDs) on their electronic g-tensor values, with the emphasis put on the accuracy of the geometries obtained using very fast GFN2-xTB method. The observed tendencies indicate that magnetic properties of large enough NDs (~1.5 nm and larger) can be calculated with a good precision when their geometries are evaluated at the GFN2-xTB level, significantly reducing the computational efforts.

Project Magnetic Properties of Nanodiamonds: A Large-Scale ab initio Modeling under PRACE DECI-17 Programme within Horizon 2020 Framework. Dr Š. Masys. 2021–2022.

4 million core hours were granted for a large-scale ab initio modeling to be performed for nanodiamonds (NDs) of different size varying from ~100 to ~1000 carbon atoms in order to assess the g-tensor dependence on the size of NDs, defect position in NDs, and surface functionalization of NDs. Point defects that are be introduced into NDs – nitrogen, silicon, germanium, and nickel complexes – are exceptionally attractive for bioimaging applications.

NSF Collaborative Project AST/2009811 Fulfilling the Atomic Physics Needs for Spectroscopic Diagnostics of Cosmic Chemical Evolution. PI: Prof. V. P. Kulkarni, Collaborator: R. Kisielius. September 2020–September 2023.

The spectral parameters for the low-ionization stage atoms indicative of the cosmic chemical evolution are determined theoretically for use in the absorption spectra modelling and for the deriving of plasma physical parameters. Observation data are utilized in feed-back to determine theoretical data accuracy.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Aarhus University (Denmark)
European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN (Switzerland)
Astrophysical Institute Potsdam, Potsdam (Germany)
Landessternwarte Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg (Germany)
Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Heidelberg (Germany)
Darmstadt University, Darmstadt (Germany)
Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot (France)
Oslo University, Oslo (Norway)
Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste, Trieste (Italy)
Uppsala University Observatory, Uppsala (Sweden)
Odessa National University, Odessa (Ukraine)
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (USA)
Capital Normal University, Beijing (China)
University of Patras (Greece)
University of Chicago (USA)
National Institute for Fusion Science (Japan)
National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu (Taiwan)
Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, Malmö University, Malmö (Sweden)
Chimie Quantique et Photophysique, Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium)
University of Lisbon (Portugal)
University of South Carolina (USA)
Space Telescope Science Institute (USA)
Institute of Electron Physics, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences (Ukraine)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr E. Anisimovas –

  • Chairman of the Council of the Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University;
  • member of the Academic Committee, International Physics Olympiad, Vilnius, 17–25 July 2021.

Dr A. Deltuva -

  • member of the International Faddeev medal committee.

Dr V. Dobrovolskas –

  • member of the Lithuanian Astronomical Society;
  • member of the European Astronomical Society.

Dr A. Drazdauskas –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Dr K. Černis –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU);
  • member of the European Astronomical Society.

Prof. Dr Habil. G. Gaigalas –

  • council member of CompAS (The International collaboration on Computational Atomic Structure) group (https://ddwap.mah.se/tsjoek/compas/index.php and CompAS | The international collaboration on Computation Atomic Structure);
  • editorial board member of the journal Atoms (Atoms (mdpi.com));
  • Committee member of the 44th Lithuanian National Conference of Physics (Vilnius, Lithuania, 6–8 September 2021);
  • Committee member of the 14th European Conference on Atoms Molecules and Photons (Vilnius, Lithuania, 27 June–1 July 2022).

Dr T. Gajdosik –

  • member of the Austrian Physical Society (OePG);
  • member of the CERN Baltic Group coordination team “Study group”;
  • deputy member of the management committee CA16201 “ParticleFace: Unravelling new physics at the LHC through the precision frontier.”

Dr V. Gontis –

  • member of the association of Euroscience, http://www.euroscience.org/;
  • council member of the Lithuanian Scientific Society;
  • Academic editor of Plos One.

Dr V. Jonauskas -

  • Committee member of the 44th Lithuanian National Conference of Physics (Vilnius, Lithuania, 6–8 September 2021);
  • member of the Council of the Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University;
  • member of the Lithuanian Physics Society.

Dr A. Juodagalvis –

  • Lithuanian representative in CERN Finance Committee;
  • member of the Council of Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics Center at the Faculty of Physics of Vilnius University;
  • member of the Board of Lithuanian Physics Society, scientific secretary;
  • member of the management committee CA16201 “ParticleFace: Unravelling new physics at the LHC through the precision frontier”;
  • deputy team leader of the Vilnius University group at the CMS experiment at CERN;
  • member of the programme committee of the 44th Lithuanian National Conference in Physics (Vilnius, Lithuania, 6–8 September 2021).

Dr R. Juršėnas –

  • member of the American Mathematical Society.

Distinguished Professor G. Juzeliūnas –

  • True member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • Board member of Atomic Molecular Physics and Optical Division (AMOPD) of European Physical Society (EPS);
  • Associated member of the National Center for Theoretical Sciences at the National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan;
  • Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 14th European Conference on Atoms Molecules and Photons (Vilnius, Lithuania, 27 June–1 July 2022), https://www.ecamp14.org/organisers;
  • member of the Programme Committee of the 44th Lithuanian National Conference of Physics (Vilnius, Lithuania, 6–8 September 2021);
  • member of Programme Committee of the 23rd International Conference – School on Advanced Materials and Technologies 2021 ·(Palanga, Lithuania, 23–27 August 2021);
  • academic editor of the journal Plos One.

Dr H. R. Hamedi –

  • member of Lithuanian Physics Society;
  • member of Physics Society of Iran.

Prof. B. Kaulakys –

  • member of the Institute of Physics (UK);
  • member of the European Physical Society;
  • editorial board member of the Lithuanian Journal of Physics;
  • editorial board member of the journal Nonlinear Analysis. Modeling and Control;
  • vice-president of the Lithuanian Association of Nonlinear Analysts;
  • council member of the Lithuanian Scientific Society.

Prof. R. Karazija –

  • editorial board member of the Lithuanian Journal of Physics;
  • member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

Dr A. Kynienė –

  • President of the Vilnius City Board of the Physics Teachers’ Association;
  • member of the Vilnius City Physics Didactics Board;
  • Team leader of Particle physics outreach group at the VU Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics Center;
  • Chairwoman of the physics maturity exam evaluation commission;
  • member of the Lithuanian Pupil Physics Olympiad Commission;
  • Council member of the Lithuanian Scientific Society.

Dr J. Klevas –

  • board member of the Lithuanian Astronomical Society;
  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU);
  • member of the European Astronomical Society (EAS).

Prof. Dr A. Kučinskas –

  • member of the Board of Directors of the International Journal Astronomy and Astrophysics;
  • member of the Executive Committee of the International Journal Astronomy and Astrophysics;
  • member of the Open Access Working group of the International Journal Astronomy and Astrophysics;
  • president of the Lithuanian Astronomical Society;
  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU);
  • National Contact Point of the International Astronomical Union (IAU);
  • member of the European Astronomical Society (EAS);
  • National Representative at the European Astronomical Society (EAS);
  • vice-chair/member of the Council of the Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University;
  • member of the Central Appellation Commission of the Senate of Vilnius University;
  • member of the Organizing Committee of ChETEC-INFRA SNAQ schools.

Dr M. Mackoit-Sinkevičienė –

  • member of the Board of the Lithuanian Physics Society;
  • president of the European Physical Society Young Minds section in Vilnius;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers;
  • Lithuanian Team Leader at the 2021 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO);
  • member of the International Board at IPhO;
  • World Quantum Day Coordination Team member and representative of Lithuania, https://worldquantumday.org/about-us/.

Dr M. Maskoliūnas –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Dr Š. Mikolaitis –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU);
  • member of the IAU Commission “Stellar Evolution” Organizing Committee;
  • member of the European Astronomical Society.

Dr R. Minkevičiūtė –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Dr D. Narbutis –

Prof. Dr E. Norvaišas –

  • member of the Institute of Physics;
  • member of the European Physics Society.

Dr E. Pakštienė –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Dr L. Radžiūtė –

Dr V. Regelskis –

  • associated member of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Dr P. Rynkun –

Rigonda Skorulskienė –

  • member of the Board of the Lithuanian Physics Society;
  • member of the Board of the Lithuanian Astronomical Society;
  • president of the Physics Teachers’ Association of Lithuania;
  • team Chair of the IAU OAE national astronomy education coordinator team for Lithuania;
  • member of the Steering Committee, International Physics Olympiad, Vilnius, 17–25 July 2021;
  • Committee member of the 44th Lithuanian National Conference of Physics (Vilnius, Lithuania, 6–8 September 2021).

Dr J. Sperauskas –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Dr E. Stonkutė –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU);
  • member of the European Astronomical Society.

Dr R. Stonkutė –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Prof. V. Straižys –

  • member emeritus of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • member of the working group on stellar classification of the ESA Gaia project;
  • member of the International Astronomical Union;
  • member of the European Astronomical Society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr D. Šatkovskienė –

  • member of Administration Board (BoA) of European Platform of Women Scientists (EPWS, https://epws.org/epws-general-assembly-2017/);
  • President of regional Baltic States association BASNET Forumas (https://www.basnetforumas.eu/);
  • Lithuanian Team member of IUPAP working group on Women in Physics (WP5);
  • CMC member of COST action CA20137 - Making Early Career Researchers' Voices Heard for Gender Equality, representing the second proposer Vilnius University;
  • representative of Vilnius University in the European Physicists network GENERA https://www.genera-network.eu/.

Dr J. Tamulienė –

  • management committee member of the Lithuanian Physics Society;
  • leader of the Professional Union of Vilnius University.

Dr Habil. G. Tautvaišienė –

Prof. Dr V. Vansevičius –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU);
  • member of the Lithuanian Research Council.

Dr J. Zdanavičius –

  • member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

  • Invited talk by Gediminas Juzeliūnas. “Subwavelength Optical Lattices” at the conference VIII International School and Conference on Photonics – Photonica, Belgrade, Serbia, 23–27 August 2021.
  • Invited talk by Gražina Tautvaišienė. “Gaia-ESO Spectroscopic Survey“ at the international conference OBA Stars: Variability and Magnetic Fields, virtual. Sankt Petersburg, 26–30 April 2021.
  • Invited talk by Gražina Tautvaišienė “Evidences of transport processes in stellar interiors” at the international conference HRMOS Science Workshop, virtual. Arcetri, Italy, 18–22 October 2021.
  • Invited plenary talk by A. Deltuva “New developments in four-nucleon reactions” at 8th Asia-Pacific Conference on Few-Body Problems in Physics, partially virtual. Kanazawa, Japan, 1–5 March 2021.
  • Invited talk by Edita Stonkutė “Europlanet Mentorship Platform for early career researchers“ at the European Astronomical Society Annual Meeting, virtual. 28 June–2 July 2021.
  • Invited talk by Gražina Tautvaišienė “The Europlanet Telescope Network: A Global Collaboration of Small Telescope Facilities” at the European Astronomical Society Annual Meeting, virtual. 8 June–2 July 2021.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES

  • Prof. V. Vansevičius is a member of the Lithuanian Research Council.
  • Assoc. Prof. A. Kynienė is the chair of the Assessment of National Physics Maturity Examination Commission.
  • Rigonda Skorulskienė is a member of the Assessment of National Physics Maturity Examination Commission and a member of the education program redevelopment group.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

  • Regular consultations for various Police departments concerning astronomical conditions during the requested time periods when car accidents happened, Dr A. Kazlauskas.
  • Regular consultations to public concerning unusual astronomical events and stones found which are suspected to be of extraterrestrial origin, S. Lovčikas, V. Straižys, G. Tautvaišienė.
  • Regular school consultations in elementary particle physics, A. Kynienė, A. Acus, A. Juodagalvis, A. Mekys, A. Rinkevičius.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

  • Annual popular science edition “Lietuvos dangus 2022“, published since 1989, 156 pages, in Lithuanian.
  • 33 posts in the Physics of Risk blog written in English http://rf.mokslasplius.lt/. Majority of the posts contained a brief description of some model from econophysics or sociophysics along with an interactive implementation of the model.
  • The popular science book R. Karazija “Šiuolaikinė fizika smalsiems” (Contemporary Physics for Inquisitives) was published in the series “Science for All”.
  • Momkauskaitė translated from English to Lithuanian popular science book “S. Hawking, Illustrated Brief History of Time”. It was published by Jotema Publishing House.