22/04/2026
IPFN was present at Técnico Open Day, on 18 April, at Instituto Superior Técnico (Alameda Campus, Lisbon), with a full day of activities and laboratory visits that brought research closer to the public.
In Salão Nobre, the activity "The Journey of Lasers and Plasmas" Invited visitors to explore plasma through a toroidal plasma ball, gas discharge tubes and a light diffraction experiment used to measure the thickness of a human hair, using a laser beam. Virtual reality simulations developed by Group of Lasers and Plasmas extended this experience, from plasma accelerators to astrophysical scenarios. The VOXEL lab 3D model added a glimpse into next Generation X-ray imaging.
"Can we recreate the energy of the starts on Earth?", was the theme of another activity, focused on nuclear fusion, combining an interactive quiz with a 3D model of the ITER reactor.
Across campus, IPFN opened the doors of the ISTTOK tokamak, whilst the Quantum Information and Quantum Optics Lab (QIQO), a joint initiative with Instituto de Telecomunicações, was introduced to the public for the first time.
This day relied on a strong team effort:
Hands-on activities: Andre Beverido, Ankur Nath, Bernardo Barbosa, Bhushan Thakur, Chiara Badiali, Daniel Hachmeister, Gonçalo Teixeira, Joaquim Augusto Valente Nogueira, Lucas Inigo, Marco Costa, Mário Vaz, Óscar Amaro, Susana Muiños, Zahra Chamazkoti
Lab tour: Carlos Silva, Emmanuel Cruzeiro, Horácio Fernandes
A special thank you to everyone involved and to all who engaged with IPFN throughout the day. 🙌
🔗 Read more: https://www.ipfn.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/news-and-events/news/281663955271800
