Our PhD student Jiří Fujera recently started an internship at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he conducts electro-optical plasma diagnostics. In his interview, he shares his experiences with the demanding preparation for the internship, details about his research plans, and what awaits him after returning to the Czech Republic.
Jiří Fujera is a doctoral student in the Physics program at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University. Under the supervision of Associate Professor Tomáš Homola, he specializes in low-temperature plasma physics. He works at the Department of Plasma Physics in Prague, focusing on optical diagnostics of plasma discharges and their applications, for example in agriculture or the analysis of auroral emission spectra. He also collaborates externally with the Plasma Nanotechnology and Bioapplications group at the Department of Plasma Physics and Plasma Technology.
In August 2025, he will complete a foreign internship at MIT, where he focuses on electro-optical diagnostics of plasma in a methane-air mixture for plasma-assisted combustion purposes. His research connects experimental data with theoretical models and opens new opportunities for international cooperation in plasma technologies.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain what you do in your doctoral studies and research?
I spend most of my time working at the Department of Plasma Physics in Prague within the research group of Milan Šimek. Originally, my field of study was thermonuclear fusion physics, but I gradually shifted to low-temperature plasma research. I mainly focus on optical diagnostics of discharges near water. Within our scientific group, we have published a paper on plasma treatment of seeds (most recently barley seeds), and we are currently developing a collaboration with a Japanese group on analyzing auroral radiation spectra.
How did you obtain the internship at MIT?
One of the requirements for PhD students at Masaryk University is to complete a foreign internship. I ultimately chose the group led by Carmen Guerra-Garcia at MIT because Milan is acquainted with her. The whole process was relatively quick and improvised, especially regarding funding and visa arrangements.
How did you handle funding and visa matters?
The internship is funded by the FreeMover program and a Masaryk University scholarship. To obtain the visa, I needed to prove monthly financial resources of about 4000 USD, with at least 51% coming from sources other than my own. This required gathering various documents and some creative solutions. The administrative process was challenging; I had to submit applications multiple times and find available embassy appointments. In the end, everything succeeded, but it was a considerable experience.
What is your focus during the two-and-a-half-month internship?
In the group led by Carmen Guerra-Garcia, I work on plasma-assisted combustion in a methane-air mixture. My main task is to perform optical emission diagnostics of the plasma in their current experiments, something the team has not deeply addressed before. Their primary interest so far has been studying the effects of plasma on combustion or on combustion products rather than on the plasma itself. I conduct optical measurements, assist the team with data analysis, we are preparing a joint paper, and we aim to lay the groundwork for future collaboration between MIT and our Department of Plasma Physics.
What methods do you use for plasma diagnostics?
I use optical emission spectroscopy, which — simply put — involves collecting light from the plasma using an optical fiber and analyzing its spectrum. From the spectrum, I determine various plasma parameters such as temperature or the presence of specific products. I also measure electrical characteristics, like voltage and current, which help calculate parameters such as the energy deposited into the plasma. Later, we will add gas composition analysis of the plasma products. Experimental work, especially at this initial stage of my internship, involves typical challenges — instrument malfunctions, the need to purchase additional equipment, and laboratory improvisations. Nevertheless, we have already acquired initial data. At the moment, I am effectively the personification of future cooperation between MIT and our department. Historically, some collaboration existed, but now a new chapter is opening. If our work proves useful, we hope to continue with joint publications and longer-term projects.
What led you to plasma physics?
I have always been fascinated by space and physics, as well as history. When it came time to choose a career path, I decided to pursue physics professionally and keep history as a hobby. I generally prefer working in smaller teams and value the flexibility compared to large projects (which is why I eventually moved away from fusion research).
Characteristic emission spectrum of discharge in air and in an air-methane mixture (ratio 9:1). Presence of nitrogen bands and the CH radical. Author: J. Fujera
What advice do you give to those planning to go abroad?
I primarily recommend that students start preparing for a foreign internship early, carefully study visa and financial requirements, and be ready in advance for administrative challenges. It is unpleasant to realize that the nearest embassy interview is scheduled just a few days after your planned departure date.
What are your plans after returning from the internship?
My immediate plan is to present the internship results at a conference in Romania, where I will fly the day after returning from the USA. Upon return, I want to finish writing the articles in progress, engage more in ongoing projects, and, most importantly, pass my state exams, which I have postponed somewhat. I will also supervise a bachelor's student to help rejuvenate our department at the Department of Plasma Physics.
Thank you for the interview.
Jana Jurmanová is an expert in electron microscopy and the author of the bergenia image on our postcard for accepted students. She works at the Department of Plasma Physics and Technology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk university. In this interview, she describes her first encounters with microscopes,...
A year ago, Science magazine listed altermagnets as one of nine breakthrough discoveries. Now, physicists from the Masaryk University’s Faculty of Science in Brno and Osaka Metropolitan University have come up with results that further advance our understanding of this new type of magnetic material.
