Full Professors / Coordinator Researchers

Luís Oliveira e Silva

My research is focused on the interaction of intense particle/photon beams and relativistic flows with matter covering plasma-based accelerators, intense radiation sources, magnetic field generation processes in extreme astrophysics events, collisionless shocks in the laboratory and in space/astrophysics, QED physics in intense fields, and nonlinear metamaterials. My research methodology combines theory with massively parallel particle-in-cell simulations.


Luís Lemos Alves

My field of work is the modelling and simulation of low-temperature plasmas. I use a research methodology that starts by formulating the problem, continues with the development / updating of a numerical tool, including its verification through benchmarking against other codes, and concludes with the validation of the physical model by comparison with experiments. Over the years I have developed many different numerical codes, extending from the numerical solution of the electron Boltzmann equation to the development of multi-dimensional dynamic models for reactive gas/plasma systems. My research focuses on the study of microwave and radio-frequency discharges, of interest for material science, biological and environmental applications.


Vasco Guerra

I am interested in the non-equilibrium kinetics of low-temperature molecular plasmas, including electron, vibrational, heavy-particle and surface kinetics. I develop models to simulate, understand and interpret the physics of these systems, both by studying specific elements of each of the kinetics and by developing fully self-consistent models describing their global behaviour.


Bruno Soares Gonçalves

My research is focused on edge physics, control and data acquisition, development of diagnostics and integration of engineering systems for fusion devices such as JET, ITER and DEMO. My research activity involves multidisciplinary fields ranging from diagnostic development and data analysis to project management methodologies aiming at achieving the best measurements on fusion devices.


Frederico Fiuza

My research interests are in the fields of plasma physics, plasma astrophysics, and high-energy-density physics. I am currently investigating different topics related to particle acceleration in both high-energy astrophysical and laboratory plasmas, intense laser-plasma interactions, and inertial confinement fusion. I am also interested in the application of machine learning to accelerate the development of multi-scale numerical tools in the physical sciences. My research methodology combines plasma theory, large-scale numerical simulations, and laboratory experiments.



Associate Professors / Principal Researchers

Marta Fajardo

My research is focused on the development and use of Ultra-bright X-ray sources such as X-ray Free Electron Lasers, Plasma-based X-ray lasers and High Harmonic Generation. I use these sources to study Matter in Extreme Conditions such as High Energy Density Plasmas. For these studies I develop new diagnostics in X-ray Imaging such as X-ray holography, Coherent Diffraction Imaging and 3D imaging, using my team’s know-how in X-ray Metrology.


Artur Malaquias

At IPFN I am responsible for the heavy ion beam diagnostic team. This diagnostic was installed in 1992 for the measurement of several plasma parameters of the ISTTOK tokamak. My interests are in the numerical modelling, data analysis, design and commissioning of upgrades. The main difference to previous arrangements of the ISTTOK-HIBD relies on the use of a 2D matrix cell detector to collect the complete fan of probing ions exiting the plasma. This new approach opened the possibility for the simultaneous measurement of electron density and temperature, plasma potential and internal magnetic field profiles with their temporal evolution. Other research interests include participation in European fusion projects in other tokamaks: JET, ITER and DEMO.


Carlos Silva

My research is focused on edge physics, multi-scale turbulent transport and diagnostic development in fusion devices. The work is performed in devices such as ISTTOK (Portugal), TJ-II (Spain), AUG (Germany) and JET (UK), where I regularly participate in experimental campaigns. My research methodology combines data analysis with diagnostic development aiming at contributing to the understanding of turbulent transport in fusion devices.


Gonçalo Figueira

My research is focused on the science and technology of high intensity, ultrashort laser pulses, covering the study of broadband amplification techniques, the development of high efficiency, high repetition rate pump lasers, the creation and application of laser pulses with specific shapes, and the design of ultrafast diagnostics for pulse measurement and characterization. My research is strongly experimental, supported by theory and modelling, and is carried out at IST’s Laboratory for Intense Lasers.


Horácio Fernandes

My scientific research is focused on fusion devices diagnostics and real-time control and operation. I have started to operate one of the earlier existing remote controlled physics laboratories in operation since 1999 related to my interest in electronic instrumentation.


Jorge Vieira

At the intersection of photonics and plasma science, my research employs advanced computing and theoretical modelling to exploit the properties of structured, intense light to attain the ultimate physical limits of plasma accelerators and associated light sources, envisioning beam phase spaces tailored for specific applications. To complement theoretical and computational advances, I strive to collaborate with experimental teams that might bring these concepts closer to reality, whenever possible.



Assistant Professors / Assistant Researchers

Mario Lino da Silva

My research focuses on high-speed, warm collisional plasmas, where I try to understand the nonequilibrium thermodynamic properties of such plasmas, the dynamics of kinetic processes and radiation, and where I try to develop advanced fluid descriptions of such plasmas that include the quantum dynamics of molecular energy exchange processes.


Bernardo Brotas Carvalho

My scientific research is focused on fusion plasma diagnostics, real-time control and operation and development of high performance hardware and software for CODAC systems.


João Mendanha Dias

My research in fundamental physics is focused on secondary radiation sources and optical diagnostics in laser-plasma interaction field. On the other hand I have also devoted significant work to optical applications in medicine (eye optical modeling) and in industry (spectroscopy and laser metrology). My research methodology is mainly experimental work, engineering design and, occasionally, simulations and modelling.


Rui Coelho

My research is focused on theory and modelling of magnetically confined fusion plasmas. In particular, I am interested in the Integrated Tokamak modelling, the dynamics of magnetic reconnection events associated to plasma confinement degradation in Tokamaks and the interaction of energetic particles with Alfven waves. I collaborate with the experimental teams of ISTTOK (Portugal), JET (UK), AUG (Germany) and TCV (Switzerland) and on the research plan of future devices such as JT-60SA (Japan) and DEMO.


Mário Pinheiro

Mario received his Ph.D. in Physics from the Technical Institute of Lisbon, University of Lisbon, in close cooperation with the University of Orsay Paris-XI. But before that, he obtained the DEUG (Licence) from the University Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand. The Master degree was obtained at the Université de Paris VII-Jussieu and the "Diplome d´Etudes Approfondies" (DEA) from the University of Orsay Paris-XI. He is interested in the fundamentals of physics, plasma, and electromagnetic propulsion, and the use of physics in many applied and trans-disciplinary fields.


David Resendes

    Recent publications

Vladislav Plyusnin

My research focuses on Plasma Fusion in Tokamaks and Stellarators, runaway electrons in tokamaks, plasma instabilities and disruptions, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), and disruption mitigation system in ITER


Nuno Cruz

My Research is focused on diagnostics and control algorithm development as well as Control & Instrumentation systems integration for several fusion devices including JET, ITER, TCV, JT-60SA and IFMIF (LIPAc). Recent research activities funded by F4E and EUROfusion include the design and development of high performance software and algorithms for the ITER Radial Neutron Camera, algorithms for ELM mitigation using vertical plasma kicks in TCV, optimal control for plasma vertical stabilization for TCV and magnetic control tools (including plasma models and controller design) for JT-60SA. More recently I have also been part of a F4E Instrumentation & Control team giving support to IFMIF (LIPAc) in Japan.


Jorge Belo

My research activity has been dedicated to electromagnetic modelling, design, and optimization of RF structures for nuclear fusion experiments, especially lower hybrid launchers for heating and current drive, and microwave diagnostics. More recently, it has focused on remote handling required to be deployed for inspection, maintenance and substitution of systems and components, as well as on systems integration for future fusion devices. These activities have been carried out at IPFN.


Fernando Nabais

My scientific research is focused on the field of energetic ions in toroidal confinement devices and its interaction with magnetohydrodynamic instabilities. Of particular interest is the excitation of instabilities which can transport energetic ions and eventually expel them from the plasma. The work includes interpretation of experimental data, numerical modeling and theory development. Experiments in which I am involved are being carried out in JET (UK) and AUG (Germany).


António Figueiredo

I am particularly interested is the interaction between energetic ions and Alfvén eigenmodes in high-temperature plasmas, relevant for nuclear fusion. My research, which relies heavily on data analysis and computational modelling, is typically based on experimental results, or aimed at the simulation of scenarios for upcoming tokamak devices.


Luís Filipe Mendes

My current scientific research is focused on Solar Concentrating Systems and related topics, such as Thermal and Thermochemical Storage systems. In parallel, I'm involved in more interdisciplinary projects where Applied Thermodynamics and Thermal Simulations play an important role. My previous research activity was focused on Solar Assisted Heating and Cooling. My activity has been predominantly focused on experimental work, model development and computer simulation.


Jorge Ferreira

I am actively engaged in scientific research within the realms of energetic particle physics and integrated modelling for magnetically confined fusion plasmas. My primary focus lies in investigating the effects of energetic ions on plasma transport and stability. My research methodology revolves around employing computational modelling techniques to simulate both present and prospective operational scenarios pertinent to fusion devices. This modelling framework is complemented by the integration of experimental data from current devices, thereby ensuring the robust validation of our theoretical findings.



Invited Professors

Hugo Terças

My research interests focus on the physics of quantum matter, covering aspects of solid-state plasmonics, ultra-cold quantum gases (Bose-Einstein condensates) and axion-plasma interaction. My approach consists in modeling complex dynamics in the quantum regime by incorporating key ingredients from condensed matter and quantum field theory in the formulation of both fluid and kinetic equations. Filling the important gap between plasmas and condensed matter, I aim at contributing towards plasma applications in quantum technologies.


Hugo Pires

My research is focused on development of novel ultrashort laser sources, and their use for fundamental physics studies, on mid-IR laser technology development for biochemical applications, and on nonlinear optical phenomena driven by these laser sources. This research is mainly experimental, and is carried out at IPFN's Laboratory for Intense Lasers.


Tiago Silva

My field of research is focused on the study of low-temperature plasmas applied to the conversion of greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals. Over the past years, I have been working on the modelling of the input and relaxation of CO2 vibrational energy in CO2-contained discharges, in close collaboration with experimental teams. In addition, I also investigate the potential of plasma technologies for oxygen production and in-situ resource utilization on Mars.


Marija Vranic

Extreme laser-matter interactions; electron-positron pair creation; radiation reaction; radiation generation; large-scale simulations of nonlinear physics phenomena.


Pedro Viegas

My research is focused on the physics of low-temperature plasmas and their interactions with surfaces. My work consists on modelling these systems by developing and using different numerical tools, among which: global plasma chemistry models, multidimensional plasma fluid models and Kinetic Monte Carlo models. The modelling work is done in close collaboration with experimental teams, to validate the simulation results and complement the experimental measurements.


Rogério Jorge

My field of work is the theory and simulation of plasmas in nuclear fusion devices. I evaluate the confinement properties of new designs of nuclear fusion reactors and perform optimisation studies to improve them. I also work on the development of analytical models to describe the properties of toroidal magnetic fields and validate them with state of the art numerical codes.


Gareth Williams

My research focusses on the interaction of ultrashort pulses of light with matter. Recent experiments at IST include imaging the ultrafast non-equilibrium dynamics during the solid to plasma transition using high harmonic generation. My research also includes understanding the ultrafast atomic physics in the dense plasma regime using the brightest x-ray sources on earth (X-ray free electron lasers). The microscopic physics of these states are untangled with experimental data and state of the art computer codes.



Former Members

João Pedro Saraiva Bizarro

My research has focused on the theory and modelling of tokamak plasmas (more recently, mostly on equilibrium, transport and current drive), on friction in thermodynamics, and on discrete Wigner functions.


Nuno Loureiro

Theory and simulations of magnetic reconnection, magnetized turbulence, magnetic field generation, turbulent transport and instabilities in magnetically confined fusion plasmas.


Lionel Marraffa (Distinguish Visiting Professor)

I work in the field of aerothermodynamics. My research relates to programs regarding material tests, facilities, physico-chemical models, thermal radiation, parachutes etc.  I'm also interested in Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) studies for technology, for scientific exploration missions, for launchers, and for entry capsules, acting as both an aerothermodynamicist and as a “Customer” providing requirements. I have been involved in the development of high-enthalpy facilities such as SCIROCCO (Italy), Plasmatron (Belgium) and ESTHER (IST, Portugal).

  • PhD: Ecole Centrale Paris, 1992
  • Recent publications