Ongoing Projects
Gradient Metasurfaces for Ultrafast Laser Beam Shaping (M-ULBS)
The project aims to develop metasurfaces that can control the spatial characteristics of ultrafast laser pulses. This project is expected to make a significant contribution to the fields of ultrafast optics and metaoptics. Progress in the metaoptics field will be achieved in terms of novel design and fabrication techniques tailored to produce ultrafast-grade metaoptics, while ultrafast lasers will see advancements through the introduction of new, multifunctional flat components. We believe that the current state-of-the-art frontier will be expanded by seamlessly integrating metaoptics into laser systems or auxiliary devices, such as microscopes, spectroscopes, and microfabrication assemblies.
Printed neuromorphic computing platform based on Self-organized 3D ZnO tetrapod network (NeuromorPrint)
The NeuromorPrint project introduces a groundbreaking methodology in neuromorphic computing, focusing on the development of a self-assembled 3D ZnO tetrapod network platform. The innovative spray-coating method facilitates scalable and efficient production of ZnO tetrapod networks (TN), mimicking 3D topologies akin to biological neural networks. The project’s scientific contributions encompass advancements in neuromorphic computing capabilities, insights into material-light interaction for synaptic functions, and the development of scalable devices with potential applications in various industries.
Implementation of mission-based science and innovation programs
The project will be implemented in three priority mission themes under the smart specialisation priorities. Missions on different themes will promote joint science-business cooperation projects, develop and commercialise business and scientific ideas through start-ups/ spin-offs, conduct basic or early-stage research, and fill existing gaps in services and infrastructures for research and experimental development (R&D) activities at high levels of technological readiness. The project will address the lack of incubators for spin-offs/startups, prototyping spaces, pilot production lines.
Completed Projects
Ultrasensitive sensors for the detection of Lithium Ion Batteries fails (NanoTRAACES)
NanoTRAACES aims to develop a novel combined microchip integrable into LIBs for the detection of electrolyte failures. A new concept of sensor based on real-time leakage detection with high sensitivity of chemical changes will be fabricated. A rapid detection of battery electrolyte damage will be achieved to prevent unexpected exothermal reactions. The sensor will also be versatile to implement the concept of online chemical surveillance onto new generations of batteries.
2D regular nanostructures for lasing and sensing applications (LaSensA)
The aim of this collaborative research project is to study the collective optical behaviour of self-assembled nanoparticle arrays and their internal photophysical processes, and to explore their feasibility for plasmon nanolasers and biosensors. The following objectives are planned to be solved: (1) to study how the pattern and symmetry of nanoparticles (NPs) arrays impact the surface lattice resonance (SLR) and introduce methods to enable active tuning of the SLR wavelength; (2) to study the internal photophysical processes of SLRs by comparing NP in arrays versus NPs in solution; (3) to use the SLRs of these self-assembled NP arrays to create a surface plasmon nanolaser; (4) to use 2D plasmonic structures for biosensing applications; (5) to develop alternatives to classical lithographic techniques, employing controlled wrinkling in combination with soft lithography that can be up-scaled to macroscopic areas and is compatible with continuous roll-to-roll processing.
Anti-fogging precise optical scales and limbs (RASA)
The aim of the project is the creation of the non-fogging optical scales technology. The project objective is the formation and study of the diamond-like carbon films, nano-textured surfaces as well as their combinations on glass and chromium substrates to create the non-fogging glass scales technology.
Multifunctional coatings based on ZnO nanowires for selective sensing and efficient solar harvesting (MultiFun)
Large scale assembly of nanowires (NWs) into functional materials remains a problem, since NW synthesis is mostly limited by the surface of growth, hindering their wide application. Moreover, many applications require properties, which are contradictive and therefore could not be effectively realized in a single material. This project will develop multifunctional coatings based on ZnO nanowires.
Innovative holographic code to ensure the authenticity of products
Our idea is to develop and market an innovative product/code and its IT identification system with a high level of security. Counterfeiting and piracy account for €83 billion in losses in the EU every year. With the rapid development of technology, even the very means of securing documents and goods have started to be counterfeited. The global anti-counterfeiting market is projected to grow from $106.3 billion in 2020 to $188.2 billion in 2025, due to the increasing focus of manufacturers on protecting their brand. Our product offering is a new generation of holographic – a diffractive code of 2D-3D images and combinations of images, identified by a dedicated IT recognition system. A comprehensive technology and software solutions for hologram formation with integrated diffractive optical elements will be developed and marketed.
Ultra-Broadband Antireflection Coatings Based on Highly Absorbing Thin Layers – Plasmonic Blackbody (PlasmoBlack)
Handling reflected and scattered light is of great importance in many optical applications including lasers, spectroscopic equipment, military applications, and solar energy conversion. Absorbing coatings and non-reflecting surfaces are essential in the latter applications because they can diminish light reflectance or even purely absorb light allowing for measurements at ultra-low intensities. It was shown that dielectric-metal-dielectric structures are capable to absorb light in a wide spectral range but they are not mechanically resistant. The use of diamond-like carbon films, which possess the best properties of the diamond including high transmission, extremely high hardness, and good wear properties, will enable a major improvement in the range of absorbing coating applications.
New generation smart composite ultrasonic heat and water meters
The development of new generation metering devices requires targeted fundamental research that will be carried out by the scientists of the Kaunas University of Technology and also applied research and development works to be performed in cooperation with the Lithuanian Energy Institute. The implementation of project will result new generation smart composite ultrasonic heat and water meters. The main benefit of this will be high-quality metering devices for a lower price, 1.5 times longer service life and twice longer period between periodical metrological inspections. In addition, newly developed meters will be environmentally friendly, i.e. made of recyclable secondary raw materials.
Materials and technologies for the high-gain Fast Timing MPGD detector
The aim of the research is to develop a laser technology for the formation of polyimide (Kapton®) – diamond carbon (DLC) based microstructures, which is compatible with the technologies of gas electron multipliers (GEM) used in the high-gain Fast Timing MPGD (FTM) detector.
Creation and Development of innovative optical security devices and next generation micro/nano devices and structures for optical applications
It is planned to carry out systematic research ensuring the verification of commercially-available concepts, the development of micro-technologies and the development and implementation of innovative products. During the project the following activities will be carried out: originals of special security means by integration of digital holograms using method of continuous wave and pulsed laser radiation; nano texts and direct hologram image formation on the surface of materials; the application of local ultra-short laser pulse effects for the formation of micro-images by local manipulation of the optical properties of capillary deposited precisely arranged nano / microparticles; investigation of diffraction optical elements and microfluidic devices for optical applications; the application of laser interference and electron beam lithography for the development and implementation of new security means.
2D nanostructures of noble metal nanoparticles for biosensor applications
The project will aim at the developing of effective nanostructured templates, production of regular noble metal nanoparticle arrays, design and synthesis of proper peptide biomarker based on the proteomic profile of tear, as well as construction of SERS, luminescence, absorption and elastic scattering based biosensor for diagnosis of ocular surface and systemic diseases. The metal nanoparticle array templates as biosensors for detection and quantification of the biomarkers, such as infective microbes, protein or non-protein biomarkers, as well as the cancerous cells will be employed.
Experimental characterization of thin films and structures used in vacuum chamber for particle accelerators
The aim of the project is to understand and elucidate the physical mechanisms that control (reduce) the secondary electron emission coefficient in thin films and structures used in the vacuum chamber of particle accelerators.
Formation and Modification of Nanoparticles via Femtosecond Laser Ablation of Targets in Liquids (FemtoColloid)
The goal of this project is to synthesize colloidal solutions of nanoparticles of different nature employing femtosecond laser ablation of a target in organic solutions and apply these nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman based sensing. In order to achieve this goal, we are planning to select the processing conditions of material targets and colloidal solutions with the ultra-short laser pulses in order to achieve effective nanoparticle synthesis and improve the monodispersity of the already synthesized nanoparticles.
Experimental characterization of thin films and structures used in vacuum chamber for particle accelerators (DAFU-2)
The main project goal – to reveal the physical mechanisms related to control of the secondary electron emission in thin coatings and structures, used in vacuum chambers of the particle accelerators.
Creation of Algorithm for Rendering of the Hologram Image and Its Realization in Mobile Devices (HoloApp)
Plasmonic Properties of Silver Nanoparticles and Self-Assembled Clusters (PLAS)
The bilateral Lithuania-Japan project “Plasmonic properties of silver nanoparticles and self?assembled clusters (PLAS)“ aims at the detailed analysis of ultrafast relaxation phenomena in plasmonic silver nanostructures, demonstrating photo-catalytic activity.