The symposium is a traditional forum for Hungarian researchers in the fields of laser, atomic, molecular, optical and plasma physics. It provides an opportunity for networking, scientific discussions, and for launching collaborations. In his welcome speech, Gábor Szabó, Managing Director of our research institute, expressed his delight at seeing so many unfamiliar faces among the participants. Due to their age, those present (university students and young scientists) could not attend previous editions of the event. However, the interest they show sends the message that the supply of next-generation professionals is secured.
As Professor Béla Hopp, Head of the Institute of Physics at the University of Szeged revealed, the departments belonging to the institute employ sixty lecturers and researchers. The institute is also home to the National Laser-Initiated Transmutation Laboratory, whose main project – in collaboration with ELI ALPS – is laser-driven neutron generation and the use of the generated particles for radiobiology and materials science experiments. The Advanced Optical Imaging Group is engaged in high-resolution, so-called superresolution localization microscopy, including its theory, modelling, experimental development, and application.
The professor also highlighted other exciting research projects of the institute, including the enhancement of the temporal contrast of high-intensity light pulses, increasing the solubility of drugs, the laser treatment of seeds to improve germination efficiency, and understanding the physics of stellar evolution.
Attila Barócsi, Associate Professor at the Department of Atomic Physics at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), presented their projects aimed at the development of photon pair sources and special detection methods. Another goal of BME’s physicists is to create a network that can connect to the EU’s planned “quantum Internet”.
László Pálfalvi, Professor at the University of Pécs, spoke about the production of ultrashort terahertz pulses with extremely high field strength and the search for new applications. Their research results can be used in the fields of materials science, life sciences, and medicine.
Katalin Varjú, Science Director of our research institute, presented the objectives of establishing the Extreme Light Infrastructure. ELI Beamlines in Prague and ELI ALPS in Szeged employ a total of 649 colleagues. Since its inception, the institutes have hosted 1,400 users from 38 countries. The successful applicants have included 90 Hungarian scientists who are not employees of our institute. As many as seventy-six proposals submitted by ELI ALPS colleagues have been accepted, meaning that our equipment has been used for that many experiment campaigns run by in-house researchers. The next, seventh user call will be announced at the end of September. In her presentation, the Science Director introduced our lasers, secondary sources, and experimental endstations.
In his talk introducing the HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Miklós Veres revealed that the two institutes of the Centre employ 219 researchers – including 45 PhD students – in 36 research groups. Within the framework of the Centre’s diverse research projects in photonics, quantum optics, and quantum information science, researchers are working with so-called hot electrons, developing unique light sources, as well as a special process to increase the transparency of tissues. In addition, they are searching for new methods for the certification of quantum computers and are developing quantum algorithms that will enable the use of quantum computers in the industry.
“Quantum informatics and the development of quantum computers are one of the leading fields of physics,” said Béla Hopp. According to him, the general public has been waiting for years for a quantum computer that is both secure and affordable. The theoretical basis for the operation of such devices has been known for a long time, and in recent years we have come closer and closer to implementation. Some systems are already operating under laboratory conditions. However, having our own quantum computer at home in the foreseeable future is still just a dream. He said that superfast devices would first be available to large companies.
Furthermore, he pointed out that in the case of physicists, the availability of successors is of fundamental importance. This year, a total of 31 students applied for the Physics BSc programme at the University of Szeged. The main problem is that many of those who successfully complete the three-year programme decide not to continue their physics studies at MSc level. And of the few MSc graduates, only a handful go on to pursue a PhD degree. The latter gives rise to particular concern as PhD graduates ensure the supply of professionals both for higher education and research institutes.
Hopp’s experience shows that the number of secondary school students interested in physics has not decreased, but many of them choose engineering rather than physics as a career path. Having recognized this situation, the university launched the Physicist-Engineer BSc programme in September 2024. While the number of students choosing this training totalled nine in the first year, in the current year there were 12 applicants. The university professor believes that interest in the programme is likely to spike significantly after the first physicist-engineers graduate from Szeged.
Photos: Gábor Balázs