Dr. Georgios Nikolopoulos received his PhD in 2001 from the University of Crete. His PhD work was focused on the dissipative dynamics of small quantum systems, which are coupled to continua that exhibit an unconventional density of states and do not allow for standard (e.g., Born and Markov) approximations. In 2003, after his military service, he moved to TU Darmstadt where he worked as a research associate in the framework of FP6 IP SECOQC project, which focused on the development of a global network for secure communication based on quantum cryptography.   Dr. Nikolopoulos joined IESL/FORTH as a Junior Researcher in 2007, and his research activities span a broad range of topics including quantum linear and non-linear optics, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and ultracold quantum gases. In 2019 he was invited to participate as a Mercator Fellow in SFB CROSSING "Cryptography-based security solutions: Enabling Trust in New and Next Generation Computing Environments". 

 

Education

• 2001: PhD in Physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 2001: MSc in Microelectronics-Optoelectronics, University of Crete, Greece
• 1996: Diploma in Physics, University of Patras, Greece

Career

• 2026 - today: Research Director, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
• 2014 - 2025: Principal Researcher, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
• 2011-2014: Assistant Researcher, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
• 2007-2011: Junior Researcher, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
• 2003-2006: Research Associate, Institut fuer Angewandte Physik, Technische Universitat Darmstadt, Germany
• 1997-1999: Max-Planck Research Fellow, Max-Planck Institut fur Quantenoptik, Garching, Germany (two semesters)

Interests

• Quantum Communication and Cryptography
• Quantum Information Processing
• Quantum Optics

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

• 2022: Mercator Fellow, SFB CROSSING “Cryptography-Based Security Solutions: Enabling Trust in New and Next Generation Computing Environments”
• 2019: Mercator Fellow, SFB CROSSING “Cryptography-Based Security Solutions: Enabling Trust in New and Next Generation Computing Environments”

In this experimental research activity ultrafast time-resolved optical spectroscopy is employed to study the ultrafast processes that occur in condensed phase materials following intense optical excitation by ultrashort laser pulses. By utilizing the general pump-probe methodology the ultrafast electronic, lattice and magnetic interactions taking place in solids in the picosecond and the femtosecond temporal regime are investigated. Novel bulk and nanostructured photonic materials have high priority in our research with potential in modern applications such as nanocircuits, ultrafast nonlinear optical switches, high efficiency devices, energy, nanocatalysts, spintronics etc. The physics of semiconductors metals and dielectrics in confined geometries and nanostructures that exhibit novel combined optoelectronic and magnetic properties, hybrid and nanosructured materials with applications in environmental-friendly photonic devices are investigated. Strongly correlated metal oxide systems with electron correlations and combined optic and magnetic properties are in the front line of the research interest.

Education

• Batchelor’s degree in Physics, Un. Crete, Greece, 1996
• Master’s degree in Physics, Un. Of Crete, Greece, 1998
• PhD degree in Physics, Un. Crete, Greece, 2002

Career

• Marie Curie individual fellowship and postdoctoral research, Freie Un. Berlin, 2002-2007
• Greek Military Service 2007
• 2007-2008 postdoctoral research, FORTH-IESL
• 2008, Junior Researcher, FORTH-IESL
• 2011, Assistant Researcher, FORTH-IESL
• 2014, Principal Researcher, FORTH-IESL

Interests

• Ultrafast dynamics in solid state systems and condensed phase materials
• Electronic correlations in strongly correlated systems
• Nanocrystals, nanoparticles, nanostructures
• Plasmonic materials
• Reduced dimensionality systems
• Temporal Pulse Shaping applications and coherent control of ultrafast processes
• Ultrafast processes during light-surface interaction and ablation
• Lasers for Clean Energy Applications

Other

Laboratory Description

The FLASS (Femtosecond Laser Spectroscopy in Solid State) laboratory is a unique laboratory for the Greek research community based on an amplified laser source which delivers pulses of laser light at a repetition rate of 1 kHz, central wavelength at 785 nm, with maximum energy per pulse 0.8 mJ and minimum pulse duration of 25 fs. Secondary optical sources include non-collinear optical parametric amplifiers which can provide a broad range of selectable wavelengths spanning the region from the near UV to the near IR (~250nm-1500nm). Additionally a Spatial Light Modulator in a 4f optical configuration is used to modulate the temporal shape of the laser pulses in a temporal window extending to 14 ps. Together with a pump-probe workstation and the proper analysis instruments (spectrometer, monochromator, CCD imaging camera, lock-in amplifier etc.) we can perform state-of the art pump-probe time-resolved all-optical spectroscopy at a variety of condensed matter systems such as metals, (wide band gap-) semiconductors, quantum wells, thin films nanocrystals and reduced dimensionality systems. Also, the laboratory employs an additional dual-purpose workstation consisting of: 1) direct laser-surface writing for microstructure and nanostructure formation on metal, semiconductor and dielectric surfaces and 2) LIFT (Laser-Induced Forward Transfer) workstation for micro-confined deposition of thin films onto selected surfaces and substrates.

Education

• 1994 Ph. D. in Physics, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble
• 1989 Master of Physics (DEA Matière et Rayonnement), University J. Fourier, Grenoble
• 1988 “Ingénieur” Degree of the National Polytechnic Insitut of Grenoble (INPG), Material Physics

Career

• Researcher (C) at the polymer group IESL-FORTH, Heraklion, (from Jan 02)
• Research Assistant Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield. Biopolymer mixtures
• Post-Doc. At the Polymer Group / IESL-FORTH Heraklion, Greece (November 95 to September 99), in charge of the X-Ray generator and spectrometer
• Ph. D. work at the Depart. Recherche Fondamemtale Matiere Condensee/SESAM CEA-Grenoble
• Royal Institut of Technology (Stockholm), Material Physics Laboratory, 16 months (in the frame of national service)(1991-1992), Research Student
• 4 months at Cryo-Physics Laboratory, CEA-Grenoble, (1988) Measurements of Thermal Conductivities at Low Temperatures

Interests

• Structure and dynamics of soft matter: polymer and soft colloids; studied systems include polymer / colloid solutions, star polymers, biopolymers, liquid crystalline polymers, ionomers/ polyelectrolytes, surfactants, polymer brushes, hydrogels
• Structure and Dynamic close to a solid surface, confinement effect

Alexandros Lappas received a B.Sc. in Physics (1988) from the University of Crete and a D.Phil. in Chemical Physics (1993) from the School of Chemistry & Molecular Sciences at the Univ. of Sussex, UK. During 1993-95, as a Research Fellow in the Inorganic & Solid State Chemistry division of Sussex University, he became interested in the field of fullerene-based magnets & superconductors. After his compulsory military service (1996-97) in Greece, he moved back to Sussex as a Temporary Lecturer (Inorganic & Physical Chemistry curriculum). He was elected to a tenure-track Researcher (1999) in Materials Science at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser in FORTH, where he is presently a Director of Research (equivalent to a University Professor position). In parallel, Dr Lappas has taught materials physics courses, as an Adjunct Professor in the Univ. of Crete. As a Visiting Researcher and principal investigator, he has been working at world renowned large-scale synchrotron X-ray (Brookhaven National Lab), neutron (Rutherford Appleton Lab) and muon (Paul Scherrer Institute) science facilities in USA and Europe for the last 25 years.

His team works in the field of experimental condensed matter physics and materials science, studying electronic phenomena and phase transitions in correlated electron systems and other quantum materials that tackle society’s challenges in energy. He leads the Quantum Materials & Magnetism lab at FORTH. Dr Lappas has initiated and successfuly led a number of international research projects. In addition, he served in posts such as, in conference program committees and a panel member of R&D actions supervised by GSRT. Moreover, he has been the advisor of young scientists that have completed their PhD (5) or MSc (10) research in materials physics/ chemistry, and was honored to be a “Fulbright Fellow – Greece” (2016-17) for lecturing and conducting research in the United States. He has published more than 100 refereed journal articles and disseminated his research through invited lectures (25) and numerous contributed talks (47) at international conferences (h-index= 26; ResearcherID: F-6771-2011).

Education

• 1993, D.Phil., Chemical Physics; School of Chemistry & Molecular Sciences, University of Sussex , UK
• 1988, B.Sc., Physics (upper 2nd class honors); Dept. of Physics, University of Crete, Greece

Career

• 2012– present Research Director (Grade A; open-end); IESL - FORTH, Greece
• 2002 – 2012 Principal Researcher (Grade B; tenure); IESL - FORTH, Greece
• 2005 – 2008 Adjunct Professor; Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 2001 – 2005 Adjunct Professor; Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 1998 – 2002 Associated Researcher (Grade C; tenure-track); IESL - FORTH, Greece
• 1997 – 1998 Temporary Lecturer; School of Chemistry, University of Sussex, UK
• 1993 – 1995 Postdoctoral Fellow; School of Chemistry, University of Sussex, UK

Interests

• workings of quantum materials at variable length and time scales by photon & neutron science (structural & spectroscopic) probes
• collective electronic phenomena & symmetry breaking phase transitions (physical crystallography)
• frustration-driven instabilities (order by disorder) in transition metal layered oxides
• intertwined charge carriers & magnetic moments in iron-chalcogenides
• smart energy-materials’ solutions for grid technologies (cf. superconductors & battery materials)
• colloidal nanocrystals with size-, shape-, assembly- enhanced functionality (cf. theranostics)

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

• 2018: Presented with the “Gold Medal of the City” of Xanthi, as a City ambassador in sciences and environment; Municipality of Xanthi, Greece
• 2016: Recipient of a “Fulbright Visiting Scholars Award”, Fulbright Foundation, Athens, Greece
• 2015: Recipient of a “Chaire TOTAL - Pôle Chimie Balard”, Fondation Balard, Montpellier, France
• 2003: Visiting Fellowship at Kyoto University; YAMADA Science Foundation, Osaka, Japan
• 2000: Award for Scientific Research at IESL-FORTH; EBEIRIKIO Foundation, Athens, Greece
• 1990 – 1993: Research Bursary, BRITE-EURAM Programme on Advanced Materials; Commission of the European Communities, Brussels, Belgium
• 1989 – 1992: Research Studentship (Quota Award); Science and Engineering Research Council, UK
• 1983 – 1984: Prize for excellence in Physics, University of Crete; State Scholarships Foundation – IKY, Greece

RETIRED

Education

• 2009, Ph.D., Physics department, University of Crete, Greece
• 2004, M.Sc., Physics department, University of Crete, Greece
• 2001, B.Sc., Physics department, University of Crete, Greece

Career

• 12/2016 - today, Post Doctoral Researcher, Microelectronics Research Group (MRG), FORTH - IESL, Greece
• 10/2015 - 11/2016, Research associate, Physics Dpt, University of Crete, Greece
• 02/2010-09/2015, Research associate, Microelectronics Research Group (MRG), FORTH - IESL, Greece

Interests

• III-Nitride wide band gap semiconductors
• Molecular Beam Epitaxy growth of III-Nitrides
• III-nitride based Heterostructures and Nanostructures for Electronic and Optoelectronic applications

• PERSONAL INFORMATION

Family Name, First Name : Tzallas Paraskevas

Researcher unique identifier: Paraskevas Tzallas on Google Scholar

Date of birth  : Grevena-Greece, Feb. 4, 1974.

Nationality: Hellenic

Office address : Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (FORTH-IESL), N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, Tel.: +30-81-391127, Fax: +30-81-391305, e-mail: ptzallas@iesl.forth.gr

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• CURRENT POSITION (S)

2017-now: Research Director (Researcher A') at the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Greece, and head of the "Quantum light and Technologies" and "Attosecond science and technology" activities at FORTH.

2024-now: Coordinator of the Center of Quantum Science and Technologies of FORTH (FORTH-QuTech)

2014-now: Senior Research fellow and Scientific Advisor at Extreme Light Infrastructure-Attosecond Light Pulse Source (ELI-ALPS), Szeged, Hungary

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• PREVIOUS POSITIONS

2002-2004: Post-Doc in MAX-PlANCK-INSTITUT FÜR QUANTENOPTIK in Garching (Germany)

2004-2017: Researcher D', Researcher C' and Principal Researcher (Researcher B') at FORTH-IESL

2018-2020: Board member of the scientific council of FORTH-IESL

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• SHORT BIOGRAPHY: I received his PhD in physics in 2002. Then, I joint as PostDoc fellow the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching, Germany. Then he moved as researcher at FORTH, rising on 2017 to the rank of the Research Director. 

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• CAREER BREAKS (2004): 6 Months military obligation in the Greek Armed Forces. I was acknowledged by the Greek Ministry of National Defence as a Distinguished Scientist of Abroad.

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• RESEARCH INTERESTS: Atomic, Molecular and Optical physics (AMO); Attosecond science and strong laser field physics; Quantum Optics and quantum information science.

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• EDITORIAL DUTIES:

2020: Guest Editor in the special issue on "Quantum optics in strong laser fields" of the journal Photonics.

2024: Editor of the  book on the 'High-order Harmonic generation in solids', which is published by World Scientific, which is the exclusive publisher for the Nobel Foundation, and they have over 100 titles by Nobel Laureates and on the Nobel Prize.

2025-now:  Editorial board member of the J. Phys. B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical physics.

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• RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

           My scientific contribution in the research fields of Quantum Optics and Technologies, and Attosecond Science, is characterized by the development of many novel approaches and research highlights. Below I summarize some of them.

Quantum Optics and Technologies:

• Non-linear optics using intense optical Schrödinger CAT states Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 013601 (2025). 
• Connection between Strong-laser-field physics, non-classical light states and quantum information science (Rep. Prog. Phys. 86, 094401 (2023), Phys. Rev. A 109, 033706 (2024), J. Phys. B:At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 58, 132001 (2025)).
• Generation of high photon number optical Schrödinger CAT states with controllable quantum features (Phys. Rev. A 105, 033714 (2022) (Editors' suggestion)) 
• Generation of high photon number non-classical and entangled light states from extreme-ultraviolet to far infrared spectral range (Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 123603 (2022), PRX Quantum 4, 010201 (2023), Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 143603 (2024)). 
• Generation of optical Schrödinger CAT using intense laser-matter interactions ( Nature. Phys., 17, 1104 (2021)). 
• Development of a method namely "Quantum Spectrometer" which has been used for the generation of optical Schrödinger "cat" states using intense laser-matter interactions (Nature Commun. 8, 15170 (2017); Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 193602 (2019)).

 

Attosecond Science:

• Attosecond pulse metrology: The first direct observation of attosecond light bursts emitted from gas and solid-state media [Nature 426, 267 (2003); Nature Phys. 5, 124 (2009); APL Photonics 4, 080901 (2019). Comparative studies between 2^nd order autocorrelation and cross-correlation methods (RABBITT) [Phys. Rev. A 82, 021402(R) (2010)].
• Generation of intense isolated Attosecond pulses. Development of a method that leads to the generation of high-power coherent continuum XUV radiation (Nature Phys. 3, 846 (2007)). Development of the highest energy ever reported Attosecond source (Phys. Rev. A 98, 023426 (2018)).
• XUV non-linear optics: The first observation of atomic direct double ionization by a harmonic superposition (Phys. Rev. A 74, 051402(R) (2006)). The first observation of multi-XUV-photon multiple ionization of atoms using tens of Gigawatt power XUV pulses (Phys. Rev. A 98, 023426 (2018)). Implementation of an ion imaging detector for quantitative studies in the linear and non-linear XUV regime (Phys. Rev. A 90, 013822 (2014); Sci. Rep. 6, 21556 (2016)). Implementation of an ion imaging detector in ultrafast molecular dynamics using electron quantum path interferences (Phys. Rev. A 100, 061404 (2019))
• XUV-pump-XUV-probe studies. Tracking of the sub-fs dynamics in atoms and molecules (Nature Phys. 7, 781 (2011); Phys. Rev. A 89, 023420 (2014) (Editors Suggestion)).
• Attosecond science using VUV attosecond pulses emitted by strongly laser driven semiconductor solids. Attosecond spectroscopy using vacuum-ultraviolet pulses emitted from laser-driven semiconductors (Nature Commun. 16, 1428 (2025).

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• PUBLICATIONS IN INTERNATIONAL REFEREED JOURNALS: 100 published papers, including 1 Nature, 5 Nature Phys., 1 Nature Photon., 1 Rep. Prog. Phys., 2 Nature Comm., 1 PRX Quantum, 9 Phys. Rev. Lett., 1 Physics Reports, 15 Phys. Rev. A, 3 Optica, 1 Opt. Lett., 6 Sci. Rep., 7 New J. Phys., 8 J. Phys. B, 2 Optics Express, 2 Appl. Phys. B, 2 Chem. Phys. Lett., 2 J. Phys. Chem. A etc., 8 chapters in books, and 8 Invited review/perspective articles in international scientific journals.

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• Invited/Keynote talks in Conferences/Colloquia/Workshops: > 68 including 3 Keynote.

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• REFEREE IN INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS: Reviewer in international scientific journals including, Nature, Nature Photon., Nature Phys., Rep. Prog. Phys., Nature Commun., Phys. Rev. Lett., PRX, PRX Quantum, Phys. Rev. A, J. Phys. B, Optica, New J. Phys., Optics Letters, Physical Chemistry, etc.

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• PROPOSAL REVIEWER: 1) Austrian Science Fund funds (FWF); 2) German Research Foundation (DFG); 3) Israeli  Higher Education Committee/ Israeli Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC); 4) French National Research Agency’s (ANR); 5) Hellenic Foundation for Research & Innovation (HFRI); 6) European Research Council, ERC Advanced Grant.