PhD position in Implementation of highly tolerant dispersive devices based on grating-waveguide structures in high power lasers at 1- and 2- micron – Fellow 12 – Project TRADES in HILASE, Prague, Czech Republic (Deadline: 28.02.2026)

The aim of this PhD project is the design and characterization of pulsed solid state lasers with focus on dispersive systems for temporal stretching and compression of laser pulses (pulse stretcher and pulse compressor) based on a pair of innovative grating waveguide structure (GWS) optical elements. These GWS components will be developed within the framework of the project TRADES. The developed dispersive systems will be implemented in high-power Yb:YAG and Ho:YAG laser systems at the HiLASE Centre (Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences). The PhD research will also include the development and optimization of a femtosecond laser systems based on holmium or thulium ions (e.g. Ho:YAP, Ho:YAG, etc.), targeting output power levels of up to 100 W.

The PhD work will include: Development of a high-power femtosecond laser source emitting in the 2.0–2.1 µm spectral range with pulse energies of 10–20 mJ. Determination and evaluation of a complete set of optical parameters of GWS-based stretcher and compressor systems for the 2 µm laser, and comparison with an equivalent dispersive compressor for a Yb:YAG laser system, including diffraction efficiency, impact on beam quality, grating uniformity, and other relevant characteristics. Experimental testing of GWS elements in high-power laser environments under industrially relevant conditions, including comprehensive evaluation of laser performance under these conditions. Processing of experimental feedback and presentation of achieved results to TRADES project partners to support further optimization of GWS components. Secondment at an industrial and/or scientific partner institution within the TRADES project (e.g. Crytur; IFSW, University of Stuttgart, Germany; Institut Fresnel, France; University of Eastern Finland; etc.). Publication activity.