Jan focuses on interdisciplinary research in high-power laser technologies, with an emphasis on their applications in space and defence domains. His expertise spans laser–matter interactions, laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) physics, and the development of robust photonic systems designed to operate in extreme and mission-critical environments. He works at the interface between fundamental research and applied engineering, aiming to deliver laser-based solutions for communication, propulsion, remote energy transfer, advanced manufacturing, and threat mitigation.
At the HiLASE Centre he serves as Research & Development Coordinator for Space and Defence Applications, leading strategic initiatives focused on adapting and qualifying advanced laser technologies for aerospace and security use cases. His work builds on extensive experience in laser durability testing and laser system design, extending into complex operational environments such as vacuum, thermal extremes, radiation exposure, and atmospheric turbulence.
He gained this experience through more than a decade as Head of the Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) Laboratory at the HiLASE Centre, where he led a team of researchers in building the LIDT testing station, developing assessment methods for challenging environments, and providing testing services to commercial partners.
Before joining the HiLASE Centre, he served as National Secretary at the Czech Office for Standardization, Metrology and Testing and held various positions in private ventures within the electronics, photonics, and laser technology sectors. After completing his Ph.D., he spent one year as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at FORTH-IESL in Greece, conducting research on the optical properties of photonic crystal fibers and superparamagnetic nanoclusters.
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