2-4 September 2015, User Training Workshop on Light-Based Technologies, Trnava, Slovakia

Location: Trnava is situated 45km to the north-east of the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. Trnava is the first free royal town in Slovakia – the Hungarian king Belo IV awarded Trnava privileges in 1238. Trnava is since long a university town: its first university was founded by the Ostrihom archbishop Peter Pazman in 1635. Today, Trnava has 2 universities: the Trnava University and University of ss. Cyril and Methodius (UCM).

Organizers: The Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava and International Laser Centre in Bratislava.

Topics:
In the International Year of Light 2015 and Light-based technologies, the workshop will be focused at the promotion of light-based technologies and their applications in organic and inorganic chemistry, material and sensoric sciences and biomedicine. Focus will be given particularly at spectroscopy, imaging, data analysis and practical implementation of laser-based technologies in order to attracting and training of new users from new scientific communities.

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Objectives:
• Training of new potential Laserlab users to make optimum use of laser facilities, to exploit new approaches in laser-related science and to use them in novel applications,
• To acquire basic concepts in optics, photonics, spectroscopy and imaging, as well as biophotonics and nanobiophotonics for the participants,
• To get an overview on the state-of the art of light-based technologies and their applications in organic and inorganic chemistry, including spectroscopy, imaging and
time-resolved technologies,
• To learn how to evaluate the presence, the structure and the function of biomolecules and of their environment,
• To get information on the latest advances in micro-nano-structured optical sensors, 3-dimensional printing of macro and micro structures and nanomaterials for chemistry applications,
• To learn how to design experiments, record and analyze complex data,
• To build a network of new potential users within the European laser community,
• To exchange knowledge among participants and initiate collaborations.

Target audience: students / engineers and laboratory operators/ young researchers.

Preliminary format:
A 3-day session, including 1 whole day and 2 half days of presentations (lectures) followed by 2-half days of laboratory work are scheduled. Focus will be given on practical training, which will be related to the knowledge obtained in theoretical sessions.

PROGRAMME

Block I: Introduction to spectroscopy and imaging (2h)
• Modern Spectroscopy Techniques - E. Beinrohr (UCM Trnava)
• Time Domain Diffuse Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy – A. Pifferi (POLIMI Milan)

Block II: Study of biomolecules and their environment (3h)
• From physical chemistry to fluorescence imaging - D. Chorvat (ILC)
• TCSPC and its applications in the study of biomolecular environment - G. Groma (Institute of Biophysics, BRC Szeged)
• Advances in biophotonics and nanobiophotonics – A. Marcek Chorvatova (ILC)

Block III: Micro and nano-structured optical sensors, their design and applications (3h)
• Optical sensors based on micro- and nano-structures – J. Bruncko (ILC)
• Nanomaterials – latest advances, biomimetics – F. Uherek (ILC)
• Laser Fabrication of 3D Micro/Nanostructures in photopolymers and glass – V. Purlys (VULRC Vilnius)

Block IV: Analysis of complex data, computer visualization, scientific publishing and grant preparation (3h)
• Advanced image analysis and computer visualization – A. Mateasik (ILC)
• Research study /access protocol preparation, Scientific writing – L. Bacharova (ILC)

Laboratory training blocks I and II (2 half days, after lunch):
• Optical microscopy and spectroscopy
• Time-resolved fluorescence measurements
• Diode laser technology
• 3-dimensional laser printing
• Complex data analysis
• Simulations with conventional software
• Company presentation stands (Carl Zeiss, Kvant)