Study of non-equilibrium distributions of quantum states in laboratory discharges using spectroscopic methods

Supervisor: Mgr. Jan Voráč, Ph.D.

Institution: Masaryk University, Department of Physical Electronics Faculty of Science

Field of Study: Plasma physics

About my project

The problematics of non-equilibrium in plasma is not yet very well understood. This project suggests the usage of optical emission spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy to determine the causes and implications of non-equilibrium population distribution of quantum states. As an outcome the theoretical basis for future models will be developed together with further development of applied diagnostic techniques.

I will be leading coordinator that will be keeping account of the theoretical and experimental data. Based on intermediate results, I will be adjusting the strategies of research and coming up with new research questions. I will conduct measurements with all the diagnostic techniques as well as evaluation of the data by spectra simulations. To be specific, I will design and establish experimental setup for Raman spectroscopy for our purposes. To evaluate such a spectra software MassiveOES developed by Mgr. Jan Voráč, Ph.D. and Mgr. Petr Synek, Ph.D. will be used. I will develop the software further for it to be applicable on Raman spectra. I will also refine the time-correlated single photon counting technique with Mgr. Tom´aˇs Hoder, Ph.D for the purpose of determining vibrational and rotational distributions. Furthermore, the adjustment of laser-induced fluorescence will be conducted in cooperation with doc. Mgr. Pavel Dvoˇr´ak, Ph.D. I will compare the results of these diagnostic techniques and try to identify key processes in the investigated system by forementioned MassiveOES and my own scripts.

Where I see myself in my career in 10 years

I plan to finish my Ph.D. in standard four years. After my doctoral degree I would like to visit some renowned foreign institute to gain experience, preferably in the field of optical diagnostic. My long term plan is to broaden my knowledge, to be concerned not only with plasma physics but also computer sciences and diagnostic techniques in general. After ten years and several successful projects I would like to come up with my own research and grand proposals, covering topics that I am interested in. In the ideal case, I will be building my own small research team ten years from now.

What I like most about Brno

What I like most about Brno is the possibility of cooperation in the field of physics with top institutions. And many job opportunities.