Vasileios Kitkas studied Physics at the Physics Department of the University of Crete (B.Sc., 2024) and is currently a postgraduate student in the MSc program “Photonics & Nanoelectronics” at the same department. His main research interests lie in the field of Optics, with emphasis on hyperspectral imaging and diffuse reflectance (DR) techniques.
He carried out his undergraduate thesis under the title “Diffuse reflectance for the identification of inks and pigments on manuscripts”. He is currently conducting his MSc thesis at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of FORTH in Heraklion, within the Photonics for heritage science group (PhoHS), focusing on the study of medieval inks and pigments in manuscripts and palimpsests, as well as the investigation of post-Byzantine books using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.
Education
- Currentrly , MSc, Photonics and nanoelectronics, Physics Department, University of Crete, Greece
- 2024, Bachelor Physics Department, University of Crete, Greece
Interests
- Optics, with emphasis on hyperspectral imaging and diffuse reflectance techniques
- Imaging identification and study of medieval inks and pigments in palimpsest manuscripts and early printed books
Education
- 2022 Bachelor of Science, Physics, University of Crete, Greece
- 2025 Master of Science, Material Science, University of Crete, Greece
Career
- 2026 - PhD Student, IESL, FORTH and University of Crete
Interests
- Phase retrieval of optically trapped exciton-polariton condensates
- Quantum simulators with the polariton condensate lattices
Kyriakos Liperos received his Bachelor’s degree in Physics in 2024 and is now a MSc student in Photonics and Nanoelectronics at the Department of Physics of the University of Crete.
Interests: Surface Acoustic Waves gas sensors, Thermochromic Nanomaterials
Babis Astrinakis is a dedicated physics graduate with expertise in 3D modeling, prototyping, and advanced design solutions. Currently serving as a Research Assistant at the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Babis develops complex 3D models and multi-layered prototypes for tissue-mimicking phantoms using 3D printing technologies. His work emphasizes precision and functionality in biomedical research.
Charalampos received his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Crete, where he completed a thesis on the "Optoacoustic interferometric characterization system (OPTICS) for the evaluation of fuel quality through speed of sound measurements." His academic training includes courses in advanced physics laboratories, electromagnetism, and entrepreneurship in research, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
In his role at FORTH, Babis gained proficiency in operating innovative photoacoustic spectrometers and analyzing fuel measurements to ensure experimental accuracy. Additionally, he has experience in imaging multicellular specimens using advanced bioimaging techniques such as tiling light-sheet selective plane illumination microscopy.
Babis also brings a creative dimension to his work as a designer. Through his design crafts, he combines materials like wood with other innovative components to produce functional, handcrafted furniture, blending artistry with utility.
With a solid foundation in programming (Python, C, Matlab) and a disciplined, adaptable work ethic, Charalampos remains passionate about advancing sustainable and innovative design solutions across multidisciplinary fields.
Education
- 2024, BSc Physics, University of Crete
Interests
- Biophotonics and Biomedical Imaging
- 3D Modeling and Prototyping
- Programming and Data Analysis
Giannis Stergou is a dedicated physicist and aspiring researcher with a strong academic foundation and growing experience in computational physics. He earned his B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Crete in 2024 with a grade of 7.70/10, building a solid background in quantum mechanics and mathematics. His thesis, titled "Dynamics of qubit chains coupled to non-Markovian reservoirs," led to a peer-reviewed publication in Physica Scripta (2023) and reflects his early engagement with quantum systems and computational modeling. Currently, Giannis is a Simulation Team Member at the Laboratory for Biophotonics and Molecular Imaging (LBMI) at FORTH, contributing to the SWOPT project. His work involves adapting WaveSim—a light-propagation solver—for acoustic wave simulations, requiring deep understanding of wave physics, algorithmic modifications, and proficiency in MATLAB and Python. Through this role, he has gained hands-on experience with wave propagation simulations and collaborative software development. Giannis is skilled in Python, MATLAB, and has strong knowledge of differential equations, linear algebra, and quantum mechanics. Motivated by solving physics problems through computation, he is steadily expanding his expertise toward computational research in optics, acoustics, and quantum systems.
Education
- 2024, BSc Physics, University of Crete
Interests
- Programming
I hold a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Crete. My undergraduate thesis research began in 2024 at the Transparent Conductive Materials and Devices Laboratory (TCMD). The project I worked on was titled "Hydrogen Gas Sensors Based on WO₃", focusing on the development and characterization of tungsten trioxide-based sensors for hydrogen detection. In 2025, I was admitted to the Master's Program in Physics at the University of Crete, specializing in Photonics and Nanoelectronics.
