On June 10, 2025, the sixth meeting of members of the Czech Optical Cluster, titled “BETWEEN US”, took place.
The goal of the “Between Us” concept is to facilitate mutual collaboration among cluster members, both in business and R&D. As the Czech Optical Cluster continues to grow—it now has 43 members—it becomes challenging to stay aware of all participants, and valuable potential for collaboration can remain untapped. “Between Us” aims to address this.
During brief ten-minute presentations, the following organizations introduced themselves:
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University of Defence
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LaserTherm spol. s r.o.
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Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. – HiLASE
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Carl Zeiss spol. s r.o.
University of Defence – presented by Assoc. Prof. Teodor Baláž
He outlined the structure of the University of Defence, Faculty of Military Technologies, and Department of Weapons. The department is involved in projects such as:
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Protecting aviation from low-energy lasers
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A new universal/multi-face camouflage design
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21st century ground-based air defence, counteracting new threats
They conduct measurements and testing of weapons, ammunition and optical equipment—evaluating firing accuracy and the impact of weapons on humans. They frequently collaborate with Meopta Přerov on testing optical sights. Their ballistic laboratory is well-equipped, suitable for measuring effects like image intensifier brightness amplification. Their work also includes spectral reflectance-based object classification and research into laser technology misuse.
LaserTherm spol. s r.o. – Drahomír Cvahovec
They offer custom laser applications (cutting, surface treatments, laser welding, roughening, etc.). Their second division builds laser solutions per customer request with a strong technology base—over 70 kW laser power, 5-axis milling machines and lathes—allowing in-house production of laser-head components (optics sourced externally). Key capabilities include:
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Laser welding of armor
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Robotic laser welding
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Magnetic-fixture-based floor welding, with higher productivity compared to conventional methods
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Surface treatments for wettability or non‐wettability; e.g., coatings nearly impossible to remove, and titanium layer treatments
They specialize in laser-based surface modification of materials.
Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. – HiLASE – Ing. Martina Řeháková
HiLASE operates 700 m² of cleanroom space for custom testing and development, with laser development and industrial laser-application groups. They focus on solid-state lasers, industrial and space laser applications, and defence technologies. They develop custom lasers and test system components on their technologies—most notably Bromi, an air-cooled laser. Their scope includes:
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Fiber, thin-disk and rod lasers
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Availability of labs for custom experiments
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Laser Shock Peening to enhance component lifespans
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Laser Induced Damage Threshold testing for material resilience under controlled laser exposure
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Laser micro-machining & surface treatment for high-precision cutting/drilling
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Laser & thermal modeling (consulting, analysis, simulation)
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Surface treatments: anti-icing, antibacterial, superhydrophobic, friction reduction, and extreme water repellency via laser PERLA
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Laser Training Centre: safety training, bespoke training, consulting
They actively promote joint projects and contract research.
Carl Zeiss spol. s r.o. – Martin Martiš
Representing Industrial Quality Solutions & Research Microscopy Solutions divisions. The company views automation and decarbonization as core innovation drivers. Features include:
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New ZEISS Smartzoom 100 digital microscope with built‑in computer
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ZEN core Software Ecosystem for microscope control and analysis
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Arivis Cloud subscription service for image analysis and visualization
