The Department of optical and biophysical systems conducts cutting edge research in the areas of innovative coating materials, biomedical applications and advanced optical techniques. The Department provides flexible graduate programs with pathways either leading toward a degree in physics/optics or in biophysics. The most advanced techniques used in the department are a unique ellipsometry system and a novel optical super resolution microscope.

The Department of optical and biophysical systems has 45 team members and exists out of 4 laboratories: the Laboratory of Functional Biointerfaces, the Laboratory of Biophysics, the Laboratory of Pulsed Laser Deposition of Thin Films and the Laboratory of Oxides. 

The newly established Laboratory of Functional Biointerfaces focuses on advancing the current knowledge of interfacial biomolecular interactions in their native environments as well as the development of novel functional biomaterials for various biomedical applications.
The Laboratory of Biophysics is aiming to create a unique interdisciplinary biophysical platform for complex research and cooperation across physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, serving at the same time as an excellent research centre for education of students. The Laboratory of Pulsed Laser Deposition of Thin Films focusses on the growth of epitaxial, polycrystalline and amorphous films. The Laboratory of Oxides shares this research area, and also focuses on the creation of novel or improved response functions based on composition-dependent and epitaxy-controlled nanoscale phenomena.

Besides these 4 laboratories, our department has a strong connection with the industry. Through the development of the National Centre of Competence – MATCA, we established a consortium with industrial partners and research institutions. Together, we tackle cutting-edge issues focused on the areas of plasma, laser and additive technology.