New Research Group in Quantum Information and Thermodynamics Led by Dominik Šafránek

The Department of Condensed Matter Physics has expanded with a new research group, Quantum Information and Thermodynamics, led by Ing. Dominik Šafránek, Ph.D. The group, funded by two prestigious grant — Primus and Junior Star—will focus on developing a novel method for quantum tomography based on the quantum Bayes’ theorem. This method will serve as a diagnostic tool for quantum technologies, including quantum computers, sensors, and cryptographic devices, enabling the identification of sources of error and thus improving their implementation.

Computational studies of materials with magnetic order in 2D

Theory department members contributed to a complex DFT-based study of the van der Waals magnetic material VI₃, revealing how its specific easy axis direction is linked to lattice distortions and exceptionally high orbital momentum. The obtained solution has specific electronic level occupations that exhibit clear signatures observed in XMCD spectrum. XMCD and XAS measurements confirmed the predicted high-orbital-momentum electronic state in real samples.

Radical Molecules on Superconducting Surfaces

A recent ACS Nano publication (featured on a cover) shows how assemblies of radical organic molecules on a superconducting surface can host distinct quantum states. The study demonstrates that varying molecular distance and orientation alters magnetic coupling, inducing transitions between singlet and doublet ground states. This discovery provides a novel strategy for controlling and engineering quantum materials—an essential step toward future applications in quantum electronics and spintronics.

Theory group plays lasergame

We can have some fun not only with theoretical physics

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We are a group of researchers with expertise in theoretical condensed matter physics. We apply the principles of quantum and statistical physics to a wide range of materials, molecules and nanostructures. Our effort is aimed at interpreting, understanding and designing experiments at our department, in the Czech Republic and in laboratories worldwide. Our day-to-day routine may include brainstorming ideas, working out the formulas with pencil and paper, coding them in state-of-the-art computational tools and even operating high-performance computers.

Students studying with us are quickly introduced to cutting-edge topics like machine learning, topological insulators and materials for quantum computing.

Upcoming seminars

Seminar of the Condensed Matter Theory

doc. Mgr. Šimon Kos, Ph.D.: Failure of the Baym-Kadanoff construction to consistently match quantum dynamics with thermodynamic critical behavior

13. 11. 2025 11:00

Seminar of the Condensed Matter Theory

Ing. Dominik Šafránek, Ph.D.: TBA

20. 11. 2025 11:00

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Listed student projects

Investigation of phase transitions with machine learning techniques
Hybrid quantum-classical systems
Neural network quantum states for strongly correlated electron systems
Spin dynamics in chiral molecules
Superconducting quantum dots out of equilibrium

Contact

Email us

Address:
Charles University
Department of Condensed Matter Physics
Ke Karlovu 5
121 16 Praha 2
Czech Republic

phone: +420 95155 1393
fax: +420 22491 1061