Our group is working on or has participated in the following projects:

PHOTOMACHINES - Photosynthetic cell redesign for high yields of therapeutic peptides

2024-2028: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004624

This project aims to remove barriers to the commercial use of phototrophs to produce valuable metabolites. Using metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, a conceptually complete new type of photosynthetic cell factories (photomachines), sufficiently productive and robust for industrial biotechnology. The primary objective is the production of therapeutic peptides, but they will be metabolic pathways for the production of other metabolites will be identified and eventually converted into production system.

Quantum Engineering and Nanotechnology

2024-2028: Ministry of Trade and Industry, CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004649

The project brings together national key partners of scientific excellence in an interdisciplinary consortium linking electronic engineering with quantum nanotechnology. The consortium will focus on hybrid quantum technologies by concentrating its capabilities and in international collaboration. The goal is quantum gates combining electrically charged atoms, molecules, nanoparticles and superconducting circuits with application potential in atomic clocks connected by photonic networks and prospectively in advanced quantum computing.

Research and development of innovative LiDAR technology for increasing aviation safety

2024-2026: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, CR: FW10010248

This project aims to develop new innovative LiDAR technology for air-data avionics, targeting next generation of modern aircrafts. This unit is planned to be used as a primary Air-data system (Air-Data Computer), and combines innovative solutions from many fields: photonics, precise opto-mechanics, electornics and UV laser technologies. The overall R&D effort is directed towards an advanced LiDAR Air-Data product, which combines HW and SW solution, and currently doesn't exist on the market worldwide. The main subject of this project is to develop the key LiDAR sub-subsystems: interferometerdetector, optical head and processing algorithm, and achieve measurement precision of air free-stream along line-of-sight (LOS) of the order of 1 knot in real and/or reality close conditions.

Compact optical tweezers

2024: PRAK-23-22, AV CR

The aim of the project is the transfer of technology - compact optical tweezers - in the form of a license agreement with an industrial partner. The vision of the project is to expand the possibility of optical micromanipulation on a conventional optical microscope among a wider range of users. In order to create better negotiating conditions and increase the attractiveness of the technology, a European patent application will be filed within the project. In order to find a suitable licensing partner, a market analysis will be made. To communicate the added value of the product to industrial partners, marketing materials will be created focused on the use of optical tweezers in progressive research and development areas such as medicine, biotechnology, pharmacology, environmental protection and education. Through the project, we will transfer many years of experience in the field of development of equipment for optical manipulations to the field of application.

Centre of Advanced Electron and Photonic Optics

2023-2028: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, CR: TN02000020, more information

Centre builds on the previous CEPO, unites key academic and industrial players in CR who are engaged in research in electron, photon and quantum technologies. CAEPO activities will enhance research excellence, application relevance of academic partners and knowledge transfer towards industrial partners focused on electron & light microscopy and spectroscopy, advanced lasers and their applications, opto-fiber sensors & probes, micro&nanostructured surfaces and optical elements, ultrasensitive detection at the edge of physical principles, ultra-precise production metrology and development of sophisticated elements and systems. This synergistic cooperation shifts the level of added value of CAEPO industrial partners outputs, brings 2/3 of them closer to and keeps 1/3 at level of world leaders.

Innovative projector development for Safety and Industry 4.0

2023-2025: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, CR: FW06010453, more information

The aim of the project is to develop a next-generation ALIS projection system that uses dynamic light pictograms to improve safety in the warehouse and manufacturing sectors and to optimise logistics routes and production processes. The projectors generating the pictograms will be controlled by an interactive hardware and software system. The great advantage of using light safety features in workplace safety and navigation is their scalability, innovative control and interactive communication method, e.g. based on the current position of workers and handling elements, the projector will project the corresponding pictogram. Using advanced design techniques and data analysis, it will be possible to optimise the placement of the projectors.

HyPerSpec - Development of Hyperspectral Camera for Biotechnology Applications and Element Analysis

2019-2022: Ministry of Trade and Industry, CR: FV40455, more information

The project addresses the development of hyperspectral camera with high spectral resolution and range of wavelengths 350-1100 nm. On the market are only systems with spectral resolution, which is not suitable for element and molecular analysis, appropriate wavelength range is low. The project aims to develop equipment - hyperspectral camera with high spectral resolution and ability to tune over wavelength lengths in the range 350-1100 nm. This camera is able to provide complex metabolite, pigment and other substances analysis contained in the observed object. With the help of machine learning, we developed correlative models for non-invasive analysis and diagnostic. Furthermore it is necessary to develop the appropriate light source and dispersive elements for hyperspectral imaging systems.

Technology for Advanced Optics and its Industrial Application

2019-2022: Ministry of Trade and Industry, CR: EG19_262/0020294, more information

The implementation of the presented project is a response to the current needs of the market (especially in terms of the growing demand for increasingly sophisticated optical elements). The outputs of the project will have higher utility and technical parameters and will open up completely new possibilities for the applicant's market, as the outputs of the project are unique and there is currently no manufacturer of such devices and optical elements. The main areas of application of the outputs of the IQS nano s.r.o. implemented in effective cooperation with the Institute of Instrumentation of the ASCR in. in. i is the area of nanooptics for LED light sources and the area of elements for the protection of products, documents and valuables.

Micro and Nano Optics for Controled Light Directing from LED Sources

2016-2019: Ministry of Trade and Industry, CR: FV10618, more information

The basic goals, outcomes of the project are: - to develop high quality flat optics which combines two layers of micro/nano surface relief optical active structures and/or by using the synthetic volume holography - to develop technology for the production of contact masque for synthetic volume holography - to develop technology of copy technique by using contact masque for synthetic volume holography - design and production of optical elements, which are able to manage and homogenize the light coming from LED sources using two layer micro/nano surface relief structures - design and production of optical elements using synthetic volume holography.