Meet Davorin Peceli from IMPULSE WP 3 and 4
Davorin is a Laser System Researcher at the ELI Beamlines Facility which he joined exactly a decade ago. He obtained a physics degree from the University of Zagreb and a PhD in Optics from CREOL, University of Central Florida, focusing on Nonlinear Optical Properties of Organic Compounds and Semiconductors.
His main responsibility is laser diagnostics, primarily for the L3 HAPLS laser. This system (High-Repetition-Rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System) is designed to deliver PW pulses with energy of at least 30 J and durations <30 fs, at a repetition rate of 10 Hz. The L3 HAPLS employs two Nd-doped glass amplifiers which are the highest peak-power pulsed laser diode arrays in the world.
During the last few years, Davorin became more involved in the implementation of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the ELI laser systems and diagnostics to optimise and increase their performances. “Working with state-of-the-art laser systems like HAPLS and an amazing team of coworkers is a dream of every laser scientist,” says Davorin. “Through the IMPULSE project, I also had the first opportunity to implement my knowledge of ML into real-life solutions. We are working on several different projects at the moment, for example, a feedback loop for optimisation of pulse temporal shape using reinforcement learning or damage detection and image-based wavefront sensing using convolutional neural networks. There is also a plan to test using time series analysis with neural networks to possibly predict laser behavior.”
Davorin has been involved in the IMPULSE since 2022, significantly contributing to Work Packages 3 and 4 (Ramping–up Towards Excellent Steady-State Operations and Key technologies & enhanced experiments). As a member of task 3.2 which has a focus on laser metrology, his current duty is to work towards establishing standardised processes of laser parameters measurement across all three ELI Facilities. Since ELI is primarily a user facility, well-established metrology is an important aspect in attracting ambitious potential users.
“Task 4.3, on the other hand, involves the application of novel ML algorithms for optimisation of high-power laser parameters,” explains Davorin. “The IMPULSE project grants us a great opportunity to share new knowledge, experience, technologies, and ideas. I believe that the strong collaboration between contributors from all three ELI Facilities and several partner institutions is the base of future scientific progress.”
If you haven’t had a chance to meet Davorin yet, feel free to reach out with any questions at davorin.peceli@eli-beams.eu or just say hi to him when meeting him at the corridors of ELI Beamlines.
